Emergency department opening hours in three health services in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) will be temporarily reduced from 18 December until 11 January 2026.

The changes to opening hours are being implemented to ensure patients continue to receive safe care during the summer holiday period.

Despite extensive recruitment efforts, MLHD has vacancies for nurses with ED skills in some rural hospitals.

Healthcare services in rural and regional areas, across Australia, continue to face ongoing challenges finding key health workers.

The three impacted EDs are:

Batlow-Adelong Multipurpose Service

• Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm.

• Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm-8am should present to Tumut Hospital or call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

Coolamon-Ganmain Multipurpose Service

• Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm.

• Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm-8am should present to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital or call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

Murrumburrah-Harden Health Service

• Emergency department will be open between 8am-6pm.

• Patients requiring ED treatment between the hours of 6pm-8am should present to Young Hospital or call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

The impacted health service EDs are within 35 minutes or less of a hospital with a 24-hour emergency department.

There will be no change to the operational hours of the aged care services in these MPS facilities.

Operational hours of all other emergency departments also remain unchanged.

MLHD executive director of operations Carla Bailey said the modified hours will support staff to take leave during the holiday period and ensure the continuation of safe, high-quality healthcare services for all patients.

“We are deeply thankful for the outstanding commitment and tireless efforts of our dedicated staff,” Ms Bailey said.

“We understand that change can bring uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping the community informed and supported over the holidays period.”

MLHD works closely with NSW Ambulance to maintain 24/7 access to emergency care and facilitate rapid transfers to the closest specialist care centre when required.

MLHD will continue active recruitment efforts, including incentive packages of up to $20,000 for health workers relocating and commencing work at rural and remote locations.

If an illness or injury is not life-threatening, people should visit their GP or call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.

Healthdirect is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses to provide fast, expert advice on any health issue and what to do next.