The NSW Government is investing $1,250,000 into health care upgrades across the New England, with Barraba, Armidale, Boggabri and Moree to split the funds.
The cash splash is part of the State Government’s $12 million investment in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.
“The Regional Health Minor Works Program will allow Hunter New England Local Health District to upgrade equipment and health facilities to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences.” said Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park.
“The Regional Health Minor Works program is just one of the many investments this Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”
Barraba
Barraba Multipurpose Service (MPS) will received $250,000 to upgrade key health worker accommodation.
The funding will modernise the Barraba MPS staff accommodation, including ensuites for the three bedrooms to improve privacy and comfort, and help incentivise and attract staff to the region.
Boggabri
Patients and visitors at Boggabri Multipurpose Service (MPS) will benefit from an extended dining room with better wheelchair access thanks to a $200,000 funding boost.
The planned works at Boggabri MPS will see the space increase by an estimated 20 square metres and will improve accessibility for those with limited mobility, providing a better experience for all.
“The work will see an extension of the facility’s dining space bringing a greater capacity and easier wheelchair access for the community.” said Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape.
Armidale
Armidale has four projects to receive funds:
- $250,000 to upgrade Armidale Hospital’s staff accommodation for junior medical officers, including new ensuites for bedrooms to improve comfort.
- $250,000 to upgrade Armidale Hospital’s off-site staff accommodation building at Rusden House, located within walking distance to the hospital. This project will install ensuites for bedrooms and modernise the rooms to increase comfort for staff, including locum doctors and nurses.
- $210,000 for the Rehabilitation Service at Armidale to refurbish the kitchen area and support patients to practice everyday skills, enabling them to return to living at home sooner. The project also includes re-purposing existing facilities into a new accessible toilet and cleaning closet.
- $75,000 for an emergency decontamination shower room upgrade at Armidale Hospital, including new privacy panels and hot water installation.
Moree
Last but not least, Moree Hospital will see $250,000 to complete an upgrade staff accommodation, including refurbishment of the building’s first floor and new ensuites for bedrooms, which will improve comfort and increase capacity.
“This funding will provide staff with better amenities and will support our recruitment efforts and offerings to new and existing staff.” said Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape.
Hunter New England Local Health District is planning to complete these projects in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Paramedics also getting a boost
The Minns Government will also invest $10 million statewide in health worker housing for paramedics in regional NSW as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.
It is estimated the four-year accommodation initiative will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.
“Providing modern, sustainable and secure staff accommodation in regional, rural and remote locations will help to attract and retain paramedics,” said Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty MLC.
“This $10 million boost to accommodation for our paramedic workforce follows the rollout of an additional 500 paramedics for regional and rural NSW and will support NSW Ambulance staff who take on these positions.”
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