Essential health care workers in NSW will have access to onsite extended hours ECEC

Nurses, doctors, allied health and support workers from four of New South Wales’ newest hospitals will have access to onsite extended hours childcare thanks to an $8 million investment which is set to be announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. 

Onsite childcare services will be built at Westmead, Bankstown-Lidcombe, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven hospitals and the NSW Government will review its other existing and planned hospitals to look for other opportunities to ensure hospital staff have access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) facilities that suit their working needs.

The initiative, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said, will provide essential health workers with more flexibility, helping them to balance raising a family with their vital work.

“This initiative is about offering more childcare options helping secure a brighter future for our frontline workers and their families,” he added.

“Our strong economy means we can invest more money in services, community amenities like this and take the pressure off households.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor welcomed the announcement saying the boost will mean women and families no longer need to choose between work or caring for their children.

NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, meanwhile, said he is sure these work-based and extended hour centres “will make it easier for our hardworking health staff to manage the day-to-day demands of balancing work and family responsibilities”. 

Treasurer Matt Kean has announced the 2022-23 NSW Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 21 June 2022.