Member for Barwon gives update after meeting with HNELHD

Member for Barwon Roy Butler’s office said he had a meeting with Hunter New England Local Health District regarding the Wee Waa Health Service Implementation Plan early last week.

Mr Butler’s office provided the below update:

Recruitment progress

– Four new staff members commenced in December and last week.

– Two additional candidates are currently progressing through recruitment and are expected to join in the coming months.

– Once the team reaches 10 staff, the next phase of the implementation plan—extended service hours—will be activated. Note: Hunter New England Local Health District is cautious about community expectations; it does not want to extend opening hours without certainty that those hours can be maintained.

– Hunter New England Local Health District will continue active recruitment to further strengthen the workforce.

Community representation

– A representative from the Local Health Committee will be appointed to the interview panel for the Health Service Manager position to ensure community input and representation throughout the recruitment process.

Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) recruitment

– Hunter New England Local Health District will shortly be advertising for visiting medical officer coverage to support Wee Waa Health Service. Once the advertisement is live, it will be shared across social media and other recruitment platforms.

Local Health Committee

– The Local Health Committee has met three times and is working constructively with HNELHD, providing valuable community input and ensuring the diverse community of Wee Waa is represented throughout the Implementation Plan process.