Wee Waa Hospital to extend opening hours from October 5

Wee Waa Health Service will take a “big step” towards returning to 24/7 operations, with opening hours being extended to 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, from October 5, according to a media statement released on Tuesday morning by Member for Barwon Roy Butler’s office.

In May 2023, Hunter New England Health reduced the health service’s hours from 24/7 to 8am to 5:30pm, citing a lack of staff. Since then, there has been extensive lobbying by local community representatives and all levels of government.

Mr Butler said he is pleased that years of work are starting to pay off.

“Longer opening hours will make it much easier for locals to access health care without having to drive to Narrabri,” said Mr Butler in the statement published on Tuesday.

“Although further work continues to expand access to on-site doctors at Wee Waa so the emergency department can fully function. “Longer hours are evidence of results from the Independent Review of Wee Waa Health Service, which Health Minister Ryan Park commissioned at my request.

“The review identified the former operating structure alongside poor staff culture as barriers to recruiting more nurses to Wee Waa.

“It made 20 recommendations to rebuild the facility into a 24/7 health service with an emergency department.”

Since the independent review was delivered in July 2025, Hunter New England Health has introduced a shared leadership model across Wee Waa and Narrabri, appointed a permanent manager at Wee Waa and expanded education and training for staff.

The success of these changes is bringing new nurses to Wee Waa, allowing the extension of opening hours.

Throughout this process, the Wee Waa Local Health Committee has ensured local perspectives are considered.

“I congratulate Hunter New England Health and the local people participating on the Wee Waa Local Health Committee for steering positive changes that are strengthening the health service and expanding its capacity,” said Mr Butler.

“I look forward to continuing my work with the local health committee to return Wee Waa Health Service to 24/7 operations with visiting medical officers (VMOs) that can support an emergency department.”