With the bush healthcare worker crisis showing no signs of diminishing anytime soon, affordable and guaranteed housing, is one key incentive that country hospitals can use to attract and retain staff.

In good news on that front, an important milestone has been reached following the appointment of a main works contractor for a total of 30 new modular housing units to be built on Dubbo Hospital’s campus.

With Sydney-based firm HPAC recently awarded the work, construction is expected to start in the coming months, once designs are finalised, Western NSW Health Corporate Services and Clinical Support Director, Jeff Morrissey, has revealed.

“Being able to provide fit-for-purpose, sustainable housing and accommodation, is a vital aspect of our ongoing commitment to support and build our healthcare workforce across the district,” Mr Morrissey said.

“Healthcare staff work shifts day and night, so offering them a safe and comfortable place to stay which meets their needs is very important,” he added.

With the purpose-built bungalows also being located on Dubbo Hospital’s grounds will only to their convenience and attractiveness for potential staff who may be seeking to escape the rental rat race in our major metropolitan areas.

“Whether it’s a new team member in the process of moving to Dubbo, staff on short-term contracts, or trainees, these new units will be a real drawcard for our recruitment and retention efforts.

“Additionally, adding to the number of properties our district owns or leases directly, helps us ease pressure on the local rental market and maximise the funding we invest directly into patient care and services,” Mr Morrissey believes.

This investment follows on from $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which are now complete with all accommodation delivered and fully-operational, Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said.

“Access to housing should not be a barrier for essential workers; this appointment means we are one step closer to delivering affordable, safe, and convenient homes for health workers in Dubbo.

“This is critical to attracting and retaining healthcare staff, which is why we’re committing $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across the state,” he added.