The changes to opening hours are being implemented to ensure patients receive safe care during the summer holiday period.
Despite extensive recruitment efforts, the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has vacancies for nurses with ED skills in some rural hospitals.
Healthcare services in rural and regional areas, across Australia, are currently facing ongoing challenges in key health worker recruitment.
The changes at individual facilities are:
- Batlow-Adelong Multipurpose Service: Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm- 8am should present to Tumut Hospital or call 000 for an ambulance.
- Berrigan Multipurpose Service: Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm-8am should present to should present to Finley Hospital or call 000 for an ambulance.
- Coolamon-Ganmain Multipurpose Service: Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm- 8am should present to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital or call 000 for an ambulance.
- Murrumburrah-Harden Health Service: Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm-8am should present to Young Hospital or call 000 for an ambulance.
- Urana Multipurpose Service: Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm- 8am should present to should present to Lockhart MPS or call 000 for an ambulance.
The five impacted health service EDs are all within 35 minutes or less of a hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Department.
The modified hours will support our dedicated staff to take leave during the holiday period and ensure the continuation of safe, high-quality healthcare services for all patients. MLHD recognises and is deeply thankful for the outstanding commitment and tireless efforts of our nurses and midwives.
We understand that change can bring uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping the community informed and involved throughout this process.
MLHD will continue active recruitment efforts including offering the increased incentive package of up to $20,000 for health workers relocating and commencing work at rural and remote locations.
There will be no change to the operational hours of the aged care services in these MPS facilities.
We are working closely with NSW Ambulance to maintain 24/7 access to emergency care and facilitate rapid transfers to the closest specialist care centre when required.
If an illness or injury is not life-threatening, we encourage people to visit their GP or call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222, which is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses to provide fast, expert advice on any health issue and what to do next.
