5 October 2007

Tenterfield Health Service will soon undergo a $300,000 refurbishment to the staff accommodation which will make the Health Service a more attractive place to work and visit.

General Manager of Tablelands Cluster Wendy Mulligan said these plans have been in the pipeline for some time as part of the Rural Health Minor Works Program and demonstrated Hunter New England Health’s ongoing commitment to improving services in Tenterfield.
 
She said the provision of high quality staff accommodation in rural and remote areas has been an important part of the Hunter New England Health’s recruitment and retention strategies – making it more attractive to visiting medical, nursing and allied health staff, as well as providing temporary accommodation to staff who are moving to the area.

“Currently there are six small rooms, which will be converted into three larger bedrooms with en-suites, which will be ample space for the number of staff needing accommodation at any one time.

“This refurbishment brings Tenterfield Hospital’s staff accommodation in line with our current standards for staff accommodation in terms of the size, safety, comfort, quality and amenities available.

“The building works will also provide our Area Trades Team the opportunity to improve the building’s fire safety requirements. Work will commence on the Tenterfield site in the next couple of weeks, and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2008,” Ms Mulligan said.

Ms Mulligan said the hospital also has access to a house, which has been used by the Manager and other visiting staff and will provide accommodation to all visiting staff during the staff accommodation construction period.

Visiting staff who regularly use staff accommodation include women’s health nurses, patient safety officers and Clinical Nurse Consultants providing education to local staff.

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817