Minister for Health Ryan Park is assuring communities in the regional NSW towns of Nyngan and Wee Waa that their local health facilities will remain open.
"The NSW Government has no intention of closing the health services at Nyngan and Wee Waa," Mr Park said.
"We are working closely with Western and Hunter New England Local Health Districts to ensure these services continue to provide safe and reliable care that meets the community’s needs."
"Due to staffing challenges, services have had to be temporarily reduced at Wee Waa and Nyngan to ensure the wellbeing of staff and the continuation of safe care to the community."
"The intention is for these services to be restored to normal operations and the Districts are working hard to recruit staff to ensure this occurs."
"While these Local Health Districts continue to actively recruit to fill existing vacancies, they’re also working hard to redeploy nursing staff from other areas and engage agencies to cover any gaps in the rosters."
Processes are in place at each health facility to ensure the continuation of services, supported by virtual care services where appropriate.
Working parties are being established in both Local Health Districts that include local members of parliament and community representatives to ensure dedicated healthcare staff are supported and able to continue to provide quality care to their local communities.
The districts are also working with public and private health partners in surrounding areas and NSW Ambulance to ensure the community can continue to access the health services they need.
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 issues and what to do next.