Building a better health future for Quirindi

8 March 2010

The $400,000 redevelopment of staff accommodation at Quirindi Health Service is due for completion this week, helping make the health service a more attractive place to work and visit.
Upper Hunter Cluster General Manager Dr Debbie Jaggers said the renovation was part of the Rural Health Minor Works Program, and demonstrated Hunter New England Health’s ongoing commitment to improving services in Quirindi. 
Dr Jaggers said the provision of high quality staff accommodation in rural and remote areas was an important part of Hunter New England Health’s recruitment and retention strategies.
“Recent research studies have indicated that the availability of suitable accommodation has a significant impact on the ability to recruit – this is particularly relevant in rural areas where there is limited rental accommodation,” Dr Jaggers said.
“HNE Health is constantly working to ensure we have a strong health workforce in all of our facilities, including at Quirindi Health Service.
“Making our staff accommodation more modern and attractive for our own staff, as well as for visiting medical, nursing and allied health staff, is one way for us to attract and retain team members at Quirindi.”
The redevelopment brings Quirindi’s staff accommodation in line with HNE Health’s current standards for staff accommodation in terms of the size, safety, comfort, quality and amenities available.
The staff accommodation area now comprises four spacious bedrooms, all with private ensuite areas. There are also common kitchen, lounge and dining areas, as well as a laundry.
“The refurbishment of the staff accommodation complements HNE Health’s development of the HealthOne Quirindi facility, on which initial works have recently begun,” Dr Jaggers said.
“The HealthOne Quirindi facility will bring all health services together into one state-of-the-art precinct, including General Practitioners, community health, hospital and aged care. The planned completion date for HealthOne Quirindi is April 2011.
“Hunter New England Health will continue its work with relevant stakeholders including Liverpool Plains Shire Council, the North West Slopes Division of GPs and the Rural Doctors Network, on planning for a better health future for Quirindi.”

(Ref: HNE-2185)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: 6767 7135