Healthcare workers in West Wyalong can now access modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation, with three new units completed at West Wyalong Health Service, delivered as part of the NSW Government's Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program.
The three units are located on the hospital grounds, and will provide a safe, modern and comfortable place for healthcare workers who have relocated to West Wyalong and are still establishing themselves in the community.
The pre-manufactured units were delivered in August, with the connection of services, furnishing, fencing and landscaping now complete.
Each unit is fully furnished and self-contained, and features a screened verandah, light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, and internal laundry. Parking spaces and secure access are also provided.
West Wyalong Health Service is expecting the first occupants to move into the accommodation units shortly.
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District 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 KWA Program.
New accommodation units are also being delivered at Finley, Leeton and Narrandera, with units expected to be delivered to these sites before the end of the year.
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:
"It's exciting to see these units fully established on the West Wyalong Health Service site after being manufactured offsite and delivered on the back of trucks only two months ago.
"Ensuring these units are available removes a barrier to finding accommodation for healthcare workers wanting to work at West Wyalong Health Service, meaning recruiting and retaining staff will be easier.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence MLC:
"Affordable, accessible accommodation is a key factor in attracting and retaining health workers and I am looking forward to the West Wyalong community welcoming the first workers into the units and the health service.
"Investments like this underpin the Minns Labor 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."
