Residents of Wee Waa and surrounding communities will soon have greater access to healthcare closer to home, with Wee Waa Health Service extending its operating hours.
From Monday 5 October 2026, the health service will operate from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.
The expanded operating hours have been made possible thanks 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.
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, including:
- 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
- Strengthening partnerships with local healthcare providers to support sustainable healthcare into the future.
Work is also underway to enhance clinical service planning, workforce capability and collaborative models of care across the region.
The District has worked closely with the Wee Waa Local Health Committee throughout this process, ensuring community voices remain at the centre of ongoing improvements to local health services.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“Communities like Wee Waa deserve access to quality healthcare close to home, and these extended operating hours are an important step in delivering the recommendations of the independent review.
“We’ve worked closely with Hunter New England Local Health District to build a more sustainable local workforce and strengthen health services for the community.
“Member for Barwon Roy Butler has been an incredibly important voice for the Wee Waa community and I thank him for his ongoing advocacy to increase healthcare access in the region.
“This announcement reflects our commitment to delivering better healthcare for rural and regional communities right across New South Wales.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
“The people of Wee Waa have been clear about how important their local health service is, and today’s announcement is another positive step forward.
“I want to thank the local people participating on the Wee Waa Local Health Committee for helping shape the improvements we’re seeing today.
“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.”
Wee Waa Health Service Manager, Natasha Middlemiss:
“This is an exciting milestone for our staff, our 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.
“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.”