Health homes arrive

There are six units in total, being delivered under the NSW Government’s $45.3 million Key Worker Accommodation program.

They will be offered to health workers relocating to the area, and will also be used by visiting medical staff.

Described as “modern” and “fit for purpose”, the prefabricated units are built off-site and modelled on the Key Worker Accommodation Program Prototype Unit completed earlier this year.

The new units will be fully furnished and self-contained, and feature a screened verandah, a light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, and an internal laundry. Parking spaces and secure access are also provided.

Healthcare workers are expected to move into the new accommodation before the end of the year, once installation, connection of services, fencing, landscaping, and furnishing of the new units is completed.

NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton said anything that aids in the recruitment of vital staff to the region is welcome.

“I’m pleased that these new units will help support healthcare workers at Finley Health Service by providing modern, safe and comfortable accommodation close to their place of work,” she said.

“Investments like this are vital to help attract and retain staff, particularly so for regional and rural areas where recruitment is one of the biggest challenges.”

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the new worker accommodation will be particularly handy when pending upgrades to the Finley Health Service are completed.

He said Finley is the third site in NSW, and the second within the Murrumbidgee Local Health District region, to benefit from the government program.

“With the $25 million redevelopment of the Finley Health Service expected to start early next year, the availability of new healthcare worker accommodation on-site will be an important boost for recruitment,” Mr Park said.

“Recruitment and retention of staff in rural and regional hospitals is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, which is why we are committing a further $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation in the state.

“It’s wonderful to see the success of this innovative approach to infrastructure continue.”

In the coming months, Leeton and Narrandera health services will also benefit from the worker accommodation program, while three units have already been completed at West Wyalong.

Funding for the hospital upgrades was re-committed in this year’s budget, after being initially promised in 2022.

It will include upgrades to the emergency department, an expanded inpatient unit, a larger reception, improved staff facilities and new main entry are among the enhancements to be delivered.

The existing range of health services will continue to be provided, including acute and sub-acute care, palliative care and a range of community care and allied health services, supported by telehealth and access to specialty services on referral.

The hospital design was informed through extensive consultation with health professionals, staff, patients, Aboriginal community representatives and the Local Health Advisory Committee.

In the most recent project update, released in September, the NSW Government reported that statutory planning approvals and the main works contractor tender process is now underway.

This contractor is expected to be appointed early next year, with the aim of construction being completed in 2026.