Wee Waa Health Service manager Natasha Middlemiss said the extension of opening hours at the hospital was an “exciting milestone” for staff, the Local Health Committee and the wider Wee Waa community.

“It reflects the hard work and commitment of so many people who have worked together to strengthen healthcare close to home,” she said.

“I’m incredibly proud of our team and excited to welcome our new nurses over the coming months.

“Their skills and experience will help us expand our operating hours while continuing to provide safe, high-quality care for our community.

“Our Local Health Committee has been a valued partner throughout this process, providing local insight and helping ensure the community’s voice has remained central as we’ve implemented the review’s recommendations.

“We look forward to continuing that partnership as this work progresses.”

As previously reported, from Monday 5 October the health service will operate from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.

Since 2023, Hunter New England Local Health District reduced the Wee Waa Health Service operating hours to 8am to 5.30pm, citing significant healthcare workforce shortages.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the expanded operating hours were due to the recruitment of additional nurses who will be joining the service over the coming months.

Wee Waa Health Service is supported by virtual care when on-site medical coverage is unavailable, which provides access to Australian-trained emergency physicians.

A statement released by Mr Park’s office said the extension of hours is an important milestone in implementing the recommendations of the independent review into Wee Waa Health Service, which focused on models of care, workforce recruitment and retention, community engagement, integrated care and partnerships, and Aboriginal health.

Since the final report was delivered in July 2025, Hunter New England Local Health District has made significant progress implementing the 20 recommendations.

Its progress has involved introducing a shared leadership model across Wee Waa and Narrabri; appointing a permanent health service manager for Wee Waa; expanding clinical education and training for staff; and strengthening partnerships with local healthcare providers to support sustainable healthcare into the future.

“The people of Wee Waa have been clear about how important their local health service,” Member for Barwon Roy Butler said.

“These extended operating hours will make a real difference for local people, giving them greater confidence they can access the care they need, closer to home.”

“We are grateful and thrilled to see a date confirmed for the commencement of extended hours,” the Local Health Committee said.

“The committee will continue to meet monthly to ensure open and constructive collaboration and dialogue between the community and HNELHD personnel as we continue to advocate for the end goal of having Wee Waa Hospital open 24/7 and to be serviced by a permanent visiting medical officer.”

Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens said: “We welcome all the new nurses that have been employed.

“We’re going to have a welcome barbecue.

“We think it’s fantastic.

“And the people of Wee Waa are going to embrace these new nurses.”

Cr Tiemens made the comments during a media conference held with other Save Our Wee Waa Hospital members and community representatives following the announcement of extended opening hours at the health service.

The group welcomed the announcement but said the campaign would continue to fight to restore the service to 24/7 operation with an on-site doctor.

The staff at Wee Waa hospital received praise for their work during the challenging time.

As reported previously, a community-led campaign to ‘Save Our Wee Waa Hospital’ has put the health service in the spotlight, supported by lobbying from all levels of government.

During times of flood when Wee Waa has been isolated, advocacy by community volunteers, local representatives and politicians has led to HNE Health extending opening hours during some flood periods.

Frustrated and concerned, hundreds of local residents have taken time off work and away from their daily lives to attend a series of community rallies and meetings to fight for the restoration of vital health services, with the first Save Our Wee Waa Hospital public meeting held at the end of 2024.

The same year, the powerhouse SOWWH committee was formed by a diverse mix of local volunteers determined to restore 24/7 services, the emergency department and access to an on-site doctor.

The committee worked on writing submissions and gathering signatures for a Save the Wee Waa Hospital petition, which in March 2025 Cr Tiemens, Save Our Wee Waa Hospital Committee members and local representatives officially presented to Mr Butler.

Following the strong community campaign, the petition collected 12,000 signatures – above the required 10,000 signatures, to trigger a debate in NSW parliament about the matter.

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