Communities in Armidale and Moree will benefit from more than $1 million in funding from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities in the region.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

Projects for the Northern Tablelands and Moree regions include:

• $250,000 to upgrade Armidale Hospital’s staff accommodation for junior medical officers, including new ensuites for bedrooms to improve comfort. ​
• $250,000 to upgrade Armidale Hospital’s off-site staff accommodation building at Rusden House, located within walking distance to the hospital. This project will install ensuites for bedrooms and modernise the rooms to increase comfort for staff, including locum doctors and nurses.
• $250,000 to complete an upgrade to Moree Hospital’s staff accommodation, including refurbishment of the building’s first floor and new ensuites for bedrooms, which will improve comfort and increase capacity.
• $210,000 for the Rehabilitation Service at Armidale to refurbish the kitchen area and support patients to practice everyday skills, enabling them to return to living at home sooner. The project also includes re-purposing existing facilities into a new accessible toilet and cleaning closet.
• $75,000 for an emergency decontamination shower room upgrade at Armidale Hospital, including new privacy panels and hot water installation.

Hunter New England Local Health District is planning to complete these projects in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

"The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“The Regional Health Minor Works Program will allow Hunter New England Local Health District to upgrade equipment and health facilities to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences.

“The Regional Health Minor Works program is just one of the many investments this Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose MLC:

“I welcome the investments and upgrades at Armidale and Moree Hospitals which will provide important and practical improvements for staff, patients, and visitors.

“This investment reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to improving healthcare for regional areas, including the Northern Tablelands.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles Tape:

“These upgrades, including to staff accommodation spaces in Moree and Armidale, will greatly improve comfort and experiences, helping to attract more staff to work at our hospitals.”​