newy.com.au – More southern Lake Macquarie patients will be able to receive rehabilitation at home under a $350,000 service expansion that includes support for people returning from Central Coast hospitals.
The funding, allocated in the 2026-27 NSW budget, will support allied health professionals from Hunter New England Local Health District to expand the Rehab In The Home service across the area.
The program provides rehabilitation to eligible patients in their own homes, reducing the need to travel for appointments. The expanded service will include rehabilitation for bone and joint conditions, as well as discharge support for patients returning home after hospital treatment.
The NSW government said the additional services would make care easier to access for older residents, people living with disability or mobility challenges, and their families.
Health Minister Ryan Park said local health services needed to keep pace with population growth in southern Lake Macquarie.
“We know travel can create a barrier for people with mobility challenges, Rehab in The Home can make a considerable difference to their comfort, independence and dignity during recovery.”
Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said residents had sought more services close to home. He said the additional funding would support earlier discharge from hospital and strengthen local rehabilitation services, allowing more residents to receive care at home or in their community.
The rehabilitation expansion follows the introduction of nurse practitioner-led wound care, continence and aged care outreach clinics in early 2025. The government said demand for those clinics had increased.
Hunter New England Local Health District chief executive Tracey McCosker said providing care closer to home helped patients remain connected to family and other support networks during recovery.
Monday’s announcement did not include a start date for the expanded service or an estimate of how many additional patients would receive care.
