A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $66 million into redeveloping the Warren Multi Purpose Service to support the health needs of the community for years to come. 

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor made the announcement while at Warren earlier this week, saying this will build on the government's track record in delivering multipurpose health services that are tailor-made for the needs of smaller regional communities.

“Warren MPS is a key health service that has provided much-needed care and treatment to thousands of people over the past 22 years,” Minister Taylor said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has recognised that it’s time it was upgraded so that locals know their families will continue to get the care they need and deserve."

Deputy Mayor Sarah Derrett said the promised funding was unexpected.

“Minister Taylor’s announcement was a very welcome surprise. The promised $66 million investment by a re-elected coalition government would be a game changer for the Multipurpose Health Service and an incredible benefit for Warren," she said.

"Additionally, we were able to tour the newly completed health worker accommodation units. It’s wonderful to see these units available now to make a positive change for health employees”.

Asked how the newly revamped facility would be staffed, the Minister said that was an issue she was well aware of.

“We can’t stop and say it’s all too hard with staff. If we provide modern facilities we know that will help attract more health workers to the region.

"We are also looking at innovative ways of doing things such as increasing the number of nurse practitioners, developing telehealth capabilities and virtual rural doctors,” Minister Taylor said.

“In far western NSW we have recently seen an increase in new grads which is very encouraging.”

Warren's Deputy Mayor Sarah Derrett (second from left) with Local National Party member Lachlan Simpson, candidate for Barwon Annette Turner and Cr Heather Druce during the Minister's visit on Wednesday. IMAGE: A Weston

Minister Taylor said Warren MPS is the only aged care service in the community, and she wants residents to feel at home while receiving the best care from health staff.

“In addition to delivering a complete redevelopment and upgrade of this facility, the project will improve service integration and enable best practice models of care to be implemented,” she said.

“We will reconfigure and upgrade the inpatient zone including the emergency department and acute/sub-acute ward, with an increase in bed capacity, and an emphasis on renal care.

“We will also upgrade and expand bed capacity for aged care, creating a ‘home-like’ philosophy of care that our residents deserve.

“The redevelopment will also establish an expanded community health offering at the MPS, with therapeutic and preventative health and lifestyle programs,” Mrs Taylor said. 

Warren MPS is a 41-bed facility that provides a range of services including emergency, acute and sub-acute treatment, as well as residential aged care and ambulatory care. The facility also has a 24 hour Emergency Department, networked to Dubbo Health Service for more critical care.

The state election is on Saturday 25 March 2023.