Doctor returns to Wee Waa Hospital

For two years Wee Waa hasn’t had a Visiting Medical Officer at the Hospital. They’ve been relying on locums, and Narrabri Hospital for care.

This arrangement put extra pressure on the Nurses at the Hospital and the local Paramedics, who were spending a lot of time on the road between Wee Waa and Narrabri for issues that could be dealt with in Wee Waa if they had Doctor coverage at the Hospital. 

The issue of medical coverage was one that was consistently raised with me by the residents of Wee Waa and surrounds. 

In late August I met with Hunter New England Health in Newcastle to discuss the Doctor coverage at Wee Waa - at that meeting they agreed to visit the town. They also stated very clearly that Wee Waa Hospital is here to stay and they are committed to providing services to the town. 

I wanted them to come out to Wee Waa to meet with the community and deliver that message. I was delighted that both Chief Executive Michael DiRienzo and Executive Director Rural and Regional Health Susan Heyman sat down with locals came to town to sit down with the locals. 

Importantly, half an hour before the meeting, Wee Waa's General Practitioner signed a new Visiting Medical Officer contract - returning consistent Doctor coverage to the hospital.

A fantastic outcome for the people of Wee Waa!