Healthcare workers in Cooma can now benefit from new key worker accommodation with 12 new units at Cooma Hospital and Health Service now ready to move into.
The new modern units will assist with the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers, with the final touches being made in readiness for the first residents to move in shortly.
The two-storey accommodation complex houses six units on each floor, and features a communal room and deck, providing a recreational space for healthcare workers. Each new unit is fully furnished and self-contained featuring a light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, an internal laundry, and a screened veranda.
The modern accommodation units were manufactured offsite, transported to Cooma and installed on the hospital grounds on Bombala Street.
The connection of services, furnishing, fencing, and landscaping has now been completed to ensure the new units will be fit-for-purpose, comfortable and welcoming for healthcare workers.
SNSWLHD will determine operational management of the accommodation, including the proposed applicants who will occupy the new units.
SNSWLHD is one of three regional local health districts to benefit from the NSW Government's $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program.
Due to the success of the program the Minns Labor Government has invested an additional $200.1 million into Key Health Worker Accommodation across NSW.
As part of this $200.1 million Minns Labor Government program an additional $24 million has been invested in key worker accommodation in SNSWLHD and will deliver more housing for health workers in
Eurobodalla, Bega and Crookwell.
Locations for this $200.1 million investment were selected based on greatest need across NSW.
This program will also benefit FWLHD, CCLHD, HNELHD, ISLHD, MNCLHD, MLHD, NNSWLHD, SNSWLHD, WNSWLHD, Albury Wodonga and select NSW Ambulance sites.
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:
"We face a no more critical issue than staffing our healthcare facilities across the state, and that challenge is exacerbated in regional, rural and remote communities.
"I'm proud this government has played a part in delivering accommodation for healthcare workers in Cooma, and I look forward to keeping the community updated on the additional $24 million the Minns Labor Government has invested in health worker housing for Southern New South Wales Local Health District.
"Working in regional, rural and remote communities is an incredibly rewarding experience, and the provision of accommodation, which is clean, new and close to work is an attractive prospect for people who are thinking about taking up a job in the bush."
Quotes attributable to Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:
"Cooma's key worker accommodation units look fantastic, are well designed and equipped, and will be vital in attracting and retaining health workers in the area.
"The inclusion of a communal unit for workers to come together and socialise is a great feature and will be hugely beneficial for those who may have relocated to the region for work.
"As we welcome the first workers into the Cooma units, we encourage other healthcare workers to think about making the move to a rural or regional town to live and work and enjoy the quality lifestyle that this offers."
