AN Independent Review into Wee Waa health services instigated by Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has uncovered previous leadership and operational failings within Hunter New England Health, while also making recommendations to return the Health Service to 24-hour operations.
On May 8, 2023, staff shortages led to Wee Waa Health Service’s emergency department operating hours being reduced to 8am – 5.30pm.
In response, Mr Butler introduced a Bill into NSW Parliament to split Hunter New England Health into a Newcastle-based and an inland health district.
He also lobbied for an Independent Review of Wee Waa health services.
The review identified “a misalignment between executive leadership and senior managers in understanding the scope of services available at Wee Waa”, “serious leadership instability” within Wee Waa Health Service leading to a “deterioration of workplace culture”, “ambiguous treatment protocols and escalation pathways”, “incomplete documentation” and a “lack of staff education”.
The result has been difficulty retaining staff and both nurses and patients from Wee Waa choosing to work and be treated in Narrabri.
The Review makes 20 recommendations, including:
A single service model covering both Wee Waa and Narrabri health campuses that would improve leadership and recruitment;
Updating the old Wee Waa Emergency Department to an Urgent Care model offering patients the same care as before. It would rely on highly trained nurses supported by doctors (both in-person and virtual) in a 24-hour environment. The new language is clearer about the Health Service’s capacity (serious injuries can be stabilised at Wee Waa but for decades have been transferred to a larger facility); and
Returning a palliative care bed along with sub-acute and non-acute beds.
“The Independent Review vindicates the community’s long-standing concerns about Hunter New England Health, particularly in relation to an historic lack of leadership, poor culture and operational issues,” Mr Butler said.
“The Review also maps out a pathway to resolve these issues and return Wee Waa Health Service to the full 24-hour service that the community deserves.
“The single service model for Wee Waa and Narrabri will allow resources to be shared and will help attract staff by increasing the scope of practice and allowing career progression.
“If this review is the diagnosis, the implementation plan is the treatment where the action occurs. I will be involved with the implementation plan and will be sure it considers community concerns before the Minister signs off on it.
“This is a line-in-the-sand moment that should be the start of a more productive relationship between Hunter New England Health and the Wee Waa community.
“I extend my thanks to NSW Health Minister Ryan Park for commissioning this Independent Review at my request,” he said.
The independent review into Wee Waa Health Service delivered 20 recommendations for Hunter New England Local Health District.
Led by a review team of experienced health leaders – Josh Carey, Alison Broadbent, Mark Zacka and Brendon Cutmore – the process included visits to Wee Waa during April and May, in-depth conversations with community members, staff, and stakeholders, and a review of successful models of care from across New South Wales.
The recommendations aim to ensure the Wee Waa community and surrounding areas have access to safe, high-quality care, focusing on five key areas – models of care, recruitment and retention of health workers, community engagement, integrated care and partnerships and Aboriginal health.
The report recognises that community voices are central to shaping the future of health care in Wee Waa.
As part of this work, Hunter New England Local Health District will soon begin recruiting members for a new local health committee.
This group will help guide next steps and will reflect the diversity and strengths of the local community.
Anyone with an interest in local health is encouraged to get involved. Details on how to express your interest will be shared shortly.
Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park thanked the review panel.
“I want to thank the review panel for the time they dedicated to gaining a deep understanding of Wee Waa Health Service and the needs of the local community,” Mr Park said.
“I’m pleased this important work has been completed and provides a clear path forward, and I thank the staff and the local community for their support.
“While there is more work to be done, I know we’re on the right track and we would not even be at this point without the strong advocacy from the Member for Barwon Roy Butler.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Roy and I look forward to seeing Hunter New England Local Health District work closely with the Wee Waa community as they develop and implement their response to the recommendations,” he said.
Mr Butler thanked Mr Park for commissioning the independent review at at Mr Butler’s request.
“This report is the diagnosis of the problems, and the upcoming implementation plan will be the treatment,” Mr Butler said.
“I will work with the Minister to ensure that community concerns are dealt with before the Implementation Plan is agreed to.
“The single service model will alleviate recruitment difficulties by offering the scope of practice that nurses are looking for. It also means that a larger range of allied health services will be available to Wee Waa.
“Some language will change, but the patient experience will be largely unchanged. The Wee Waa community has been very patient since May 2023, and I am pleased with the direction this will now go,” he said.
Hunter New England Local Health District chief executive, Tracey McCosker, welcomed the recommendations from the review and thanked the expert panel for their thoughtful and thorough work.
“It was workforce challenges that initially led to temporary services changes at Wee Waa Health Service in 2023, but it also highlighted the need to review our models of care and ensure the services we’re delivering are fit for purpose and aligned with community needs,” she said.
“This review provides us with a valuable opportunity to strengthen how care is delivered in Wee Waa, now and into the future.
“Our immediate focus is on recruitment, and we’ll be launching a new campaign shortly. At the same time, we’re beginning planning and community consultation to progress the broader recommendations.
“We’re committed to working closely with the community throughout this process and keeping everyone informed as we move forward.”
Full review here: Report Review of Wee Waa Health Service
Media Releases from Roy Butler MP and Ryan Park MP
