The NSW Nationals in Government have taken a big step forward in delivering the $53 million Gunnedah Hospital thanks to a $5.34 million boost in the 2022/23 budget.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the injection of funding which would see planning finalised for the hospital as the project moves towards construction.

“The Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment is so important to the future health outcomes of the Gunnedah community.

“The current hospital was first built over a century ago and needs an upgrade to deliver the very best of modern health care for the Gunnedah community.

“This upgrade will deliver a modern, state-of-the-art facility while adding renal and chemo services for the community.”

Mr Anderson said the recent announcement of health worker accommodation in Gunnedah and the recent announcement of $883 million to attract and retain rural and regional health workers.

“The announcement of a new incentives scheme for rural and regional health workers is very good news for the Gunnedah community,” Mr Anderson added.

“We need to build the very best health facility for Gunnedah, but we also need to ensure that the facility is appropriately staffed to service the community.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure that we can attract health workers to Gunnedah including providing suitable accommodation, expanding nurse training facilities at TAFE, and offering tailored incentives to attract and retain health workers.

“I met with the Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor yesterday and on the back of that meeting, I look forward to welcoming more health workers to Gunnedah soon.

“Work is already underway to recruit, attract and retain health workers for Gunnedah and I look forward to sharing more good news as this process continues.”