Attracting, accommodating, and retaining world class healthcare staff across the Illawarra and the South Coast was discussed today at a NSW Health and Department of Regional NSW roundtable in Wollongong.
With three hospital redevelopments on track for the Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven and Shellharbour, the roundtable, discussed key issues including attracting health workers, accommodation, transport and childcare.
Health services across the Illawarra and South Coast region are set to be transformed with these hospital builds and upgrades. The three hospitals which are the subject of today’s roundtable represents a total investment of $1.42 billion alone.
Today’s roundtable is the first step towards a coordinated approach to both attracting the country’s best healthcare workers to the region and keeping them in the region, by addressing any concerns they might have about relocating, such as travel times, childcare availability, and housing supply.
The NSW Government is committed to improving the access and appeal of the region to health workers wanting a sea change and aims to establish liveable communities for the region’s growing workforce.
Minister for Regional Health and the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
“The NSW Government’s significant investment across three hospital redevelopments in Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven, and Shellharbour will provide residents in the Illawarra and the South Coast with an expanded range of world-class health services,” Mr Park said.
“With such a significant investment, the Illawarra and South Coast communities are a step closer to having access to an expanded range of world-class health services right on their doorstep.
“I’ve said time and time again, investments in health infrastructure are really important but it is our incredible staff who deliver the world class care.
“We’re looking at initiatives to attract the high-quality healthcare staff to the region and ensure the community will continue to receive the absolute best health care.
“We’re committed to creating sustainable jobs and expanding our high-quality health, clinical and support sector for the Illawarra and the South Coast to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible care for locals.
“The feedback from today’s roundtable will help shape how we attract and upskill healthcare workers in our region, and I look forward to seeing what comes from today’s discussions.”