Wee Waa Hospital’s extended opening hours begin

Starting this week, Wee Waa Health Service will operate from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.

In 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.

There has been strong community campaigning and lobbying from all levels of government, calling for services to be restored.

The longer operating hours started on 5 October and Hunter New England Health said the extension is due to successful recruitment, with more nurses joining the team over the coming months.

As previously reported, a welcome barbecue was held for the new Wee Waa nurses with the Lions club serving up its signature barbecue and CWA members providing delicious slices, tea and coffee.

Locals, representatives from the Wee Waa Hospital Auxiliary, Save Wee Waa Hospital group, Wee Waa Local Health Committee, Narrabri Shire Council mayor, councillors and representatives were in attendance.

Following the announcement about the extension of hours, community members held a press conference and said they welcomed the news but the campaign for an on-site doctor and the restoration of 24/7 operation continued.

“It’s very positive progress going forward, and we need to encourage our community to use the facilities,” said Wee Waa Hospital Auxiliary president Anne Weekes.