The Broken Hill community is set to benefit from major infrastructure projects underway at the Broken Hill Health Service, including a new mental health unit, an upgraded emergency department and new key health worker accommodation.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park recently toured one of the key worker accommodation units and inspected progress of the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment which includes the construction of a new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIPU) and upgraded Emergency Department (ED).
The new Acute MHIPU is being delivered as part of the NSW Government's $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, and has been co-designed with mental health clinicians, consumers and carers with lived experience.
A separate $12 million upgrade of the hospital's ED includes a full internal refurbishment and reconfiguration of the current ED, making it a bigger and more efficient space to deliver lifesaving emergency care.
As part of the NSW Government's Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program, 20 new modern staff accommodation units have also been delivered to the hospital campus, adjacent to existing staff quarters.
The two-storey accommodation complex features 10 new fit-for-purpose units on each floor. Once completed, each of the 20 new units will be fully furnished and self-contained, featuring a light-filled living and dining area, kitchen with quality appliances, bedroom with robe and ensuite, an internal laundry, and a screened verandah.
This investment will assist the Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers., Staff are expected to move into the new accommodation early next year once works are complete.
FWLHD is one of three regional Local Health Districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the KWA Program, which is being delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure. Other Local Health Districts include Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW.
Broken Hill is the second FWLHD site to receive new accommodation under the program. Two cabins, each with two units, were delivered in Balranald earlier this year.
More information about the KWA Program and Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment is available at http://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/.
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:
"The NSW Government is proud of its investment to enhance health services for the Broken Hill community, with significant health infrastructure investments under way to support patients, staff, and the community.
"Witnessing the roll-out of the Key Worker Accommodation Program on the ground in Broken Hill has allowed us to appreciate the innovation and well-thought-out design, which we will further build on through our $200.1 million program to increase key worker accommodation across rural and regional areas announced in the most recent 2024-25 NSW Budget.
"We know that securing suitable accommodation in rural areas can be difficult, so the new units will make it easier for healthcare workers looking at making the move to a rural or regional town to live and work.
"The upgraded Broken Hill Health Service Emergency Department will provide improved patient flow and will also better meet the critical health needs of the region, featuring tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services."
Quotes attributable to Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson:
"The new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit is going to be a real asset to the region, providing a modern and contemporary therapeutic space which has been co-designed with people with lived experience of mental ill health, their families, carers and staff.
"I want to personally thank everyone here at the Broken Hill Health Service for their ongoing advocacy and support for these upgrades. We know how important it is to have these services in community.
"It is so encouraging to hear how construction of the new unit is progressing. The new mental health facility will ensure communities in and around Broken Hill will have access to comprehensive mental health support services with modern amenities."
Quotes attributable to Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
"Broken Hill is a unique community with great opportunities to offer healthcare workers thinking about moving to the bush. I have met many health workers in Broken Hill who came from areas such as the east coast but who went west, loved it and decided to stay.
"Now, with the construction of the new Mental Health Unit and upgrade of the Emergency Department underway and the new accommodation units, this will help to attract and retain more health workers out west.
"The 20 additional new accommodation units will be a very welcome addition to Broken Hill Health Service and the community, and we are looking forward to move-in day once all of the units are completed in early 2025."
