The Broken Hill community is set to benefit from major infrastructure projects underway at the Broken Hill Health Service, including a new mental health unit, an upgraded emergency department and new key health worker accommodation.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park recently toured one of the key worker accommodation units and inspected progress of the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment which includes the construction of a new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIPU) and upgraded Emergency Department (ED).
The new Acute MHIPU is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, and has been co-designed with mental health clinicians, consumers and carers with lived experience.
A separate $12 million upgrade of the hospital’s ED includes a full internal refurbishment and reconfiguration of the current ED, making it a bigger and more efficient space to deliver lifesaving emergency care.
As part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program, 20 new modern staff accommodation units have also been delivered to the hospital campus, adjacent to existing staff quarters.
The two-storey accommodation complex features 10 new fit-for-purpose units on each floor. Once completed, each of the 20 new units will be fully furnished and self-contained, featuring a light-filled living and dining area, kitchen with quality appliances, bedroom with robe and ensuite, an internal laundry, and a screened verandah.
This investment will assist the Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers., Staff are expected to move into the new accommodation early next year once works are complete.
FWLHD is one of three regional Local Health Districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the KWA Program, which is being delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure. Other Local Health Districts include Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW.
Broken Hill is the second FWLHD site to receive new accommodation under the program. Two cabins, each with two units, were delivered in Balranald earlier this year.
The Broken Hill Hospital Kiosk Auxiliary volunteers have again helped Far West Local Health District purchase equipment for use in the Broken Hill Hospital.
People at risk of harm from alcohol and drug use in Far West NSW, will have greater access to support and treatment, with a $10.7 million funding boost from the NSW Government to enhance services over four years.
