Medical staff working at Baradine now have access to three new Key Health Worker Accommodation (KHWA) units, while providing much-needed health services to the community.

Attracting, recruiting and retaining health workers to the Baradine community will be easier now that the project to construct modern and sustainable accommodation for frontline health workers has been completed.

The project to build three, one-bedroom units on-site at the town’s multi-Purpose Health Services centre was funded through the Federal Government $35.3 million Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) program.

The units are equipped with all the modern necessities including kitchenettes, comfortable living areas and ensuite bathrooms.

The provision of fit-for-purpose, sustainable accommodation for key health workers is a major component of Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) strategy to support and build its workforce, particularly in smaller, rural areas where it can be difficult to find accommodation.

“Finding affordable, accessible accommodation can be difficult sometimes in smaller areas like Baradine, so having accommodation available on-site is incredibly valuable to support our healthcare workers while they work in the MPS,” says Carole Daniels, Baradine MPS Health Service Manager.

“Providing accommodation on-site doesn’t just help us attract healthcare workers, it makes life far easier for them while they provide care to the community, and makes their time here more enjoyable and comfortable.

“The units have already been well-utilised since they were completed and we have had very positive feedback too. We’re also thankful for community donations which helped us source additional comforts, which help visiting staff have as optimal a stay as possible.

“By making visiting healthcare workers’ time here more comfortable and enjoyable, we’re also hopeful it will encourage them to consider working in our town, area and district permanently.”