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.”

A step in the right direction: Mayor

Following the announcement of an extension to health service opening hours, Narrabri Shire Council published a statement from mayor Darrell Tiemens who described the update as a “step in the right direction for the Wee Waa community and surrounding areas”.

Cr Tiemens said it is an important improvement that will make it easier for residents to access healthcare locally, particularly outside traditional business hours.

“This outcome has only been possible because the Wee Waa community has continued to stand up and make its voice heard. More than 12,000 people signed the petition calling for the restoration of services, and the campaign received support from right across NSW,” he said.

“I want to thank Roy Butler MP for his ongoing advocacy for Wee Waa, as well as Tracey McCosker from Hunter New England Health. And thank you to the Hon. Ryan Park, Minister for Health, for standing alongside our community and championing this important issue at the highest levels of government.

“I also want to recognise the Save Our Wee Waa Hospital Committee, our local community groups and organisations, and the many residents who have continued to advocate, attend meetings, share their stories, and refuse to let this issue disappear.”

Cr Tiemens also issued his thanks to media outlets which have put the community’s plight to save the hospital in the spotlight. The Courier and Wee Waa News have comprehensively covered the push to return Wee Waa Hospital to 24/7 services.

“A special thank you also goes to our local paper, radio, and TV journalists, to Ben Fordham from 2GB, and to politicians from both sides of politics who have continued to shine a light on the situation. Your support helped bring the community’s concerns to a much wider audience,” Cr Tiemens said.

Cr Tiemens said council would continue to advocate alongside the Wee Waa community for 24/7 services.

“Our community deserves access to a properly resourced hospital around the clock, with visiting medical officers and the staffing needed to support a fully functioning emergency service,” he said.