Healthcare workers will soon have access to modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation at the West Wyalong Health Service following the arrival of new units, delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program.
Three self-contained units are being installed on the south side of the West Wyalong Health Service, close to the Masonic Village aged care facility.
Healthcare workers are expected to take advantage of the new temporary accommodation before the end of the year, after installation, connection of services, fencing, landscaping, and furnishing of the three units is completed.
Each unit will be fully furnished and self-contained, and feature a screened verandah, light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, and internal laundry. Parking spaces and secure access are also provided.
The pre-fabricated units were built off-site and modelled on the KWA Program prototype unit completed earlier this year.
The West Wyalong Health Service Key Worker Accommodation was delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure and Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
MLHD is one of three regional Local Health Districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Worker Accommodation Program. Finley, Leeton and Narrandera health services will also benefit from the program.
The NSW Government has committed an additional $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas of the state as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:
“The new units will support heath care workers looking to establish themselves in West Wyalong by providing accommodation close to work.
“This is a crucial factor in attracting and retaining health workers at rural and regional hospitals and why the Minns Labor Government is investing a further $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across the state.
“We look forward to welcoming the first health workers into the units once completed.”
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence MLC:
“It’s great to see the innovation behind the KWA Program accommodation modules, which are built off-site, loaded onto trucks, and then delivered and installed on-site. This approach is cost-effective and also less disruptive to the overall operation of the health facility.
“The Minns Labor Government’s additional investment into key health worker accommodation forms one part of a comprehensive plan to build a better health system across NSW.”