Healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee region are set to benefit from key worker accommodation, with new units at two hospital sites now complete.
The modern accommodation units in Finley and Narrandera have been installed on-site, with final touches being made to ensure the units are ready for the first residents to move in early next year.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) 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.
The modular units were manufactured offsite, with six new units located in Finley and three in Narrandera. The connection of services, furnishing, fencing, and landscaping has recently taken place to ensure the units will be fit-for-purpose, comfortable and welcoming for healthcare workers.
Each 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 verandah. Both locations have one accessible unit and secure access.
The units will assist MLHD with the recruitment and retention of health workers in both areas, with staff expected to move into the new accommodation early next year.
An additional $200.1 million has been committed by the NSW Government to increase key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas of the state as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:
"The roll-out of the Key Worker Accommodation Program this year has been very successful, and the completion of the units in two more regional sites is to be celebrated.
"Recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing rural and regional hospitals across Australia, which is why we are committing a further $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation in the state.
"Investments like this underpin the NSW Government's focus on strengthening and supporting our highly skilled health workforce to ensure NSW's regional and rural communities have access to high quality healthcare close to home."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence MLC:
"Affordable, accessible temporary accommodation is a key factor in attracting and retaining health workers and we are looking forward to the Finley and Narrandera communities welcoming the first workers into the units and their communities."
Quotes attributable to Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:
"The provision of a safe, modern and comfortable place to live on hospital grounds is great for healthcare workers who have relocated to regional towns and are still establishing themselves in the community."
