Splitting district would be disruptive, costly: Hunter New England LHD chief

Splitting up the Hunter New England Local Health District would be disruptive, costly and detrimental to communities, the organisation’s chief executive officer has told a parliamentary inquiry.

The organisation also estimates a split-up would cost an additional $111 million on top of the current $201 million annual operational, governance and administrative costs. In the health district’s submission on the proposed split-up, chief executive officer Tracey McCosker PSM said such a change would not address their most pressing challenge – workforce shortages.

“This is a nationwide issue affecting all sectors but is felt most acutely in regional and rural areas like the North West of NSW,” Ms McCosker said.

“Forcing a separation between the Hunter and New England regions would fragment our workforce, duplicate systems, and reduce our flexibility to deploy staff and resources where they’re needed most.

“Rather than improving recruitment, it would create instability and reduce access to care, particularly in the communities already facing the greatest barriers.”

Ms McCosker said the current structure allows the organisations to share specialist expertise, invest in innovation, and deliver care as close to home as possible, even amid ongoing health system challenges.