Communities across the New England region will soon have enhanced access to specialised medical care, following the appointment of 12 senior medical professionals at Armidale and Inverell hospitals.
The incoming doctors bring experience across a broad range of clinical settings, including obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, emergency medicine, general surgery, general medicine and gastroenterology.
These appointments will help expand access to a number of treatments and services across the region, ensuring people can continue to receive safe high‑quality healthcare close to home.
As part of this recruitment, Armidale Hospital has secured 10 permanent full‑time staff specialists, including eight highly skilled international medical officers from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Canada.
Hunter New England Local Health District is currently supporting these clinicians through the recruitment and relocation process, ensuring a smooth transition into both their professional roles and local communities. The staff members are expected to arrive in the region in the coming months.
At Inverell Hospital, two local General Practitioner Visiting Medical Officers will soon commence work in the emergency department, including Dr Anton Wright, who moved to Inverell from the Central Coast with his family in 2024.
This recruitment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuild essential services in the regions by hiring more staff. The Coalition failed to invest in the health workforce, refusing to hire more staff and subjecting workers to an oppressive wages cap.
The Minns Government is investing in initiatives to ensure regional communities have the health workers they need, including:
- The NSW Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, which provides incentives of up to $20,000 for the hardest to fill and critically vacant positions in rural and regional NSW.
- $200.1 million investment in 2024-25 to deliver more than 20 key health worker accommodation projects across regional and remote areas of NSW.
- Expanded training pathways, such as the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway, which has assisted 74 doctors to train as rural generalists across NSW.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“Communities in regional NSW deserve the same access to specialist care as those in metropolitan areas. That’s why we are investing in initiatives that help attract more health workers to these communities.
“These new clinicians at Armidale and Inverell will improve access to critical services, ensuring people have access to care closer to home.
“We’re recruiting more staff for regional NSW, so we can deliver more services where they are needed most.
Labor Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose:
“People from across the Northern Tablelands often face long travel and time away from home to receive critical health care.
“The appointment of 12 new senior medical professionals in Armidale and Inverell hospitals will make a real difference.”
Tracey McCosker PSM, Chief Executive, Hunter New England Local Health District:
“These appointments are great news for patients across the New England region, increasing access to specialist care closer to home and strengthening the services our communities rely on.
“What makes our District unique is that clinicians can enjoy the benefits of living and working in vibrant regional communities like Armidale and Inverell, while being part of one of the largest and most diverse local health districts in Australia.”
Dr Anton Wright, GP Visiting Medical Officer, Inverell Hospital:
“Working across the emergency department, inpatient care and primary care is continually stimulating and incredibly rewarding. There is a genuine sense of gratitude from patients and their families, and the continuity of care you can provide in a regional setting is truly special.
“Outside of work, Inverell is a fantastic place to raise a young family. There’s a strong sense of community, great amenities, and the New England region offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and travel.”
Dr Githmi Hapugoda, Armidale Hospital:
“Having worked in Sri Lanka and the UK, I feel fortunate to add Armidale Hospital to my diverse experience as a physician. It has given me a wonderful opportunity to deliver specialist care in regional Australia, and I have found the breadth of medicine we practise here to be both challenging and rewarding.
“I have also come to love Armidale as a place to live. It is a welcoming town with rich cultural diversity and a wide range of activities to enjoy, offering a great balance between work and personal life.”