The communities of Deniliquin and Finley will soon benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation, which will help attract and retain more healthcare workers to the region.
Deniliquin and Finley are just two of the more than 20 Key Health Worker Accommodation projects in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government's $200.1 million program.
Finishing touches are underway for the three homes in Deniliquin and two homes in Finley to ensure they will be fit-for-purpose and comfortable for healthcare workers.
Murrumbidgee is one of one of nine local health districts to benefit from the Minns Labor Government's investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program.
The funding includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.
This investment builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which is now complete with all units delivered and now fully operational.
Investing in Key Health Worker Accommodation is just one part of the work being done by the Minns Labor Government to improve access to care in our regional, rural and remote communities, including:
- $83 million to boost maternity care in the bush;
- doubling rural health incentives for our hardest to fill roles;
- delivering study subsidies for regional health workers;
- boosting doctors in our regional GP surgeries as well as hospitals through the single employer model; and
- delivering an extra 500 regional paramedics.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"We're committed to strengthening our regional, rural and remote workforce and this project is vital because we know that affordable, accessible accommodation is critical to attracting staff in regional and rural areas.
"The NSW Government recognises our healthcare workers are the backbone of our regional and rural communities, which is why we're heavily investing in dedicated accommodation to support them in these areas."
Quotes attributable to Member for Murray Helen Dalton:
"It is critical we attract and keep health workers in western New South Wales, in this case Deniliquin and Finley. A boost to accommodation facilities will hopefully encourage more key health workers to relocate to remote and rural locations, and those already here to stay.
"It is essential that health in rural and remote NSW is not neglected. It is welcome news that the government is investing in the welfare of rural and remote communities. It is critical to attract and retain more healthcare workers to these communities in order for them to grow.
"These new accommodation units will provide an opportunity to fill vacant health care positions and support communities that are currently in desperate need of quality care."
