Since June, Hunter New England LHD (the District) has delivered 22 units in the towns of Gunnedah, Quirindi, Walcha, Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell and Scone.
Quirindi has 2 units and will be used to support visiting specialists, medical officers, nurses, midwives and allied health staff on short term contracts. They will also be available to staff who have permanently relocated to Quirindi while they secure local housing.
Hunter New England Health A/Chief Executive, Dr Paul Craven said the investment would support the District’s ongoing recruitment efforts.
“We’re working tirelessly to attract health workers to our regional and rural facilities. These new units are one of the many benefits available to health workers who want to gain invaluable experience, while seeing all that life has to offer in the country,” Dr Craven said.
“Colleagues who have stayed in the units are really pleased with the level of thought and effort that’s gone into their design. Built with sustainability principles in mind, each unit also features a built-in kitchen and laundry, study nook, solar panels, water tanks and decks.”
The District is furthering its commitment in safe and comfortable housing for health workers, with an additional 20 single-bed accommodation units planned across a number of sites in 2023.
The District received $20 million as part of the $35 million Regional Housing Package, which aims to drive construction in the regions and deliver critical health accommodation packages for staff.
This $35 million dollar Regional Housing Package is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package.