THE NSW Liberals and Nationals are calling for the Minns Labor Government to properly fund and restore hours for Wee Waa Health Service as part of the upcoming Budget.

Since May, 2023, Wee Waa Hospital has been operating on so-called “temporarily reduced” hours from 8am to 5.30pm.

Shadow Minister for Health and Regional Health Sarah Mitchell said local residents are still forced to drive 30 minutes to Narrabri for after-hours care.

“Three years, three budgets and no solutions. Wee Waa’s health service still shuts before their supermarket does. This simply isn’t good enough,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“This isn’t a temporary measure as the Minns Government has claimed – it’s abandonment dressed up in government spin.

“Chris Minns and Labor need to take responsibility for the neglect under their watch and urgently return Wee Waa Hospital to a 24-hour model.”

Mrs Mitchell said the premier stated recently ‘every family in NSW deserves a hospital that’s there for them when they need it’.

Shadow Minister for Western NSW and Seniors, Kevin Anderson, said Wee Waa and the broader community need to have faith they can come to this hospital and receive the care they need, when they need it.

“Labor should be throwing everything at this problem to get this hospital back to 24/7 access,” Mr Anderson said.

“This budget is an opportunity for Labor to listen to the Wee Waa community and fix the problem.”