Healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee region will soon have access to more key worker accommodation with the delivery of new self-contained accommodation units to Leeton District Hospital
Delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $45.3 million Key Worker Accommodation Program, three modular units have arrived at Leeton to support staff who require short to long term accommodation while working at the hospital.
The self-contained units are being installed on the corner of Wade Avenue on the hospital site, providing access to modern, fit for purpose accommodation for healthcare workers wanting to relocate to Leeton to work.
The prefabricated units were built off-site and modelled on the KWA Program Prototype Unit completed earlier this year, similar to accommodation units already delivered in West Wyalong, Narrandera and Finley.
The new units will be fully furnished and include a screened veranda, light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, and an internal laundry.
Final installation, the connection of services, fencing, landscaping and furnishing of the new units will now take place, with healthcare workers expected to move into the new accommodation early next year when the units are completed.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District is one of three regional local health districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for healthcare workers under the KWA Program.
Under the Key Worker Accommodation Program, 39 accommodation units have been delivered to rural and regional locations across the state, including 15 units in the Murrumbidgee region. On top of this the Minns Labor 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:
“In October, I visited the site where the key worker accommodation at Leeton District Hospital will be located and it is fantastic to know it is now not far off from this being ready to occupy.
“During this visit, one of the key issues I kept hearing about was issues with staffing, and difficulties faced with attracting and retain healthcare workers, and housing is a key factor.
“Securing suitable accommodation in regional areas can be difficult, so the new units will make it easier for healthcare workers looking at making the move to a rural or regional town to live and work.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:
“The Leeton community has a lot to offer, and I am looking forward to seeing healthcare workers take this opportunity to make the move here, with this modern and comfortable accommodation option now available.
“The provision of modern and self-contained accommodation units will go a long way in removing one of the barriers to attracting healthcare staff to localities such as Leeton.”