Inverell District Hospital is one of the first in NSW to benefit from a State Government program to establish new modern staff accommodation, with Inverell Health Services Manager Kath Randall, left, Hunter New England Health Tablelands Sector Operations Manager Catherine Jones and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall inspecting the site where the new units will be built in the coming weeks.
Tuesday, 5 July 2022
INVERELL District Hospital is one of the first in NSW to benefit from a State Government program to establish modern, stylish and sustainable accommodation units for rural and regional healthcare workers.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the region had been chosen to trial the units, and, if well received, would later be installed at other hospitals across rural and regional NSW.
Mr Marshall said three modular units, totalling almost $1 million in cost, would be installed adjacent to the new hospital.
“It is critical that we pave the way for the best and brightest doctors and health care workers to come to our hospital and that means providing affordable housing for our staff,” Mr Marshall said.
“Each year our local health districts divert funds to offsite accommodation that’s safe and comfortable for visiting specialists and medical staff while they’re providing essential health services to our communities.
“Inverell Hospital will have three of the self-contained units, while Armidale and Glen Innes Hospitals will each receive four.
“The buildings will be equipped with a kitchenette, living area and ensuite. Their location on site has been chosen due to its proximity to the health facility, as well as for privacy and comfort.
“Addressing the rural medical staff shortage requires a holistic approach, which considers both changes to remuneration and improving the experience for those staff who do choose to come to the regions.
“Having these units onsite will mean staff can remain on call and available around the clock.
“I’m pleased our region has been chosen to pilot and lead this accommodation program, which if done right has the potential to increase community access to specialist medical staff.”
Mr Marshall added the accommodation units had been designed to minimise environmental impact.
“Our new accommodation units are based on sustainable design principles that maximise year-round comfort and reduce running costs,” he said.