The temporary changes were introduced prior to Christmas in five facilities to address staff leave arrangements.
Berrigan and Urana Multipurpose Service (MPS) facilities will resume previous service levels earlier than anticipated, with emergency services available 24 hours 7 days per week from Thursday 9 January.
Temporary changes are expected to remain in place at Batlow MPS, Coolamon-Ganmain MPS and Murrumburrah-Harden Health Service until 31 January 2025. We are regularly reviewing these changes and will resume previous service levels before 31 January if safely able to.
The temporary changes at these facilities are:
- Batlow-Adelong MPS: Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm-8am should present to Tumut Hospital or call 000 for an ambulance.
- Coolamon-Ganmain MPS: Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm- 8am should present to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital or call 000 for an ambulance.
- Murrumburrah-Harden Health Service: Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm. Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm-8am should present to Young Hospital or call 000 for an ambulance.
These temporary changes support our dedicated staff and ensure the continuation of safe, high-quality healthcare services for all patients while nursing recruitment continues. MLHD recognises and is deeply thankful for the outstanding commitment and tireless efforts of our nurses and midwives.
We acknowledge these temporary service changes are disappointing for the impacted communities and apologise for the inconvenience they may cause.
MLHD will continue active recruitment efforts including offering the increased incentive package of up to $20,000 for the hardest to fill critical healthcare roles for health workers relocating to rural and remote locations.
We are working closely with NSW Ambulance to maintain 24/7 access to emergency care and facilitate rapid transfers to the closest specialist care centre when required.
Free health advice is available to people across NSW 24/7 by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess their condition and then connect them to the right care for them, close to home or virtually.
If an illness or injury is not life-threatening, we encourage people to visit their GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
