Following the successful rollout of health worker accommodation units in Gunnedah and Quirindi, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has today announced more accommodation as part of the NSW Government’s $35 million Regional Housing Package.

Tamworth will be the latest recipient of these modern, self-contained units with eight slated to be built near the hospital.

“One of the biggest barriers for health workers looking to relocate to our region right now is access to clean, comfortable and appropriate accommodation,” Mr Anderson said.

“That’s why we’ve been delivering self-contained units right across the district, including in Gunnedah and Quirindi.

“I had the opportunity to visit the units in Quirindi and it was great to see both units occupied with health workers who loved the town and were passionate about health outcomes for locals.”

Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor said the continued investment in safe and comfortable housing for health workers would support ongoing recruitment efforts.

“Having seen the first tranche of units and speaking with staff, I’m pleased we’ve been able to deliver key worker accommodation that’s sustainable, close to our facilities and with stylish and comfortable amenities.”

“The continued investment in these sustainable accommodation units means we can re-invest funds that were previously used for off-site accommodation, back into frontline services.

The new accommodation units will be used to support visiting specialists, medical officers, nurses, midwives and allied health staff on short term contracts. They will also be available to staff who have permanently relocated while they secure local housing.

The District received $20 million as part of the NSW Government’s $35 million Regional Housing Package, which is driving construction in regional areas and delivering critical health accommodation improvements for staff.

The $35 million-dollar Regional Housing Package for Health is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package to deliver long term support and certainty for the regions.

Hunter New England Local Health District was the first to implement the facilities, with Western NSW Local Health District rolling out key worker accommodation in the district soon after.