It is one of three communities in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District announced to share the funding allocation, alongside Griffith and Lake Cargelligo.
The MLHD share is part of the larger, $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program which will deliver about 120 dwellings across regional NSW.
Minister for Health Ryan Park’s office said it would include a mix of newly constructed homes, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.
It is anticipated the four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.
More details on how the program will be rolled out in Deniliquin are yet to be determined.
The specific funding allocation for Deniliquin is also yet to be announced.
“Locations for the $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program were selected based on greatest need,” a spokesperson for Mr Park said.
“Now that funding has been allocated, planning for the health worker accommodation works is under way.
“This planning will determine the best delivery model for each location and how many healthcare workers will be accommodated.
“This will include consultation with health workers and other local stakeholders.”
News of the investment comes at an opportune time, with the Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee’s latest monthly report indicating more successful recruitment of staff at Deniliquin Hospital.
It includes nurses across a range of areas, as well as an occupational therapist and dietician (see page 10).
Deniliquin LHAC chair Lynda Barclay said the funding was very welcome.
“Anything that makes it easier for health staff to be accommodated, and which can help secure more permanent staff, is welcome,” she said.
“And it is much more cost effective than renting properties for staff.”
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall echoed the sentiment, saying the accommodation program was a “great initiative”.
“I think they’ve done some temporary housing around, sort of pods in different areas, but I this is more on a permanent basis and the acquisition of property, but the details are yet to come out.
“It is a great initiative for the Murrumbidgee region, and it’s good to see Deni targeted as a spot.
“We (councillors) did speak to management at the hospital (Tuesday), and they told us they rent 17 houses currently.
“It is a significant outlay for a year, but they wouldn’t be able to have those staff numbers without that rental pool, with agencies and nurses.
“They also told us overseas recruitment has been very successful, and something they will be increasing on.
“Quite a few that love it here have said so to their friends, so they may have some coming out on recommendations from existing nurses.”
Mr Park said the idea of the accommodation program, which has already resulted in new homes at Finley, is to strengthen the regional, rural and remote health workforce.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities,” he said.
“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our government and this $23 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare workers to the Murrumbidgee.”
NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton said the investment would “significantly benefit” Griffith and Deniliquin.
“The success of the initiative in other areas such as Narrandera, Finley and West Wyalong shows that provision of quality housing can help to attract and retain essential healthcare professionals to regional and rural areas,” she said.
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