The Minns Government is investing $350,000 to expand Rehab In The Home services across southern Lake Macquarie, helping more people access rehabilitation and recovery services closer to home.
Rehab In The Home enables eligible patients to receive rehabilitation care in their own homes, supporting recovery while reducing the need to travel for appointments.
Funded as part of the 2026-27 State Budget, the investment will support allied health professionals from Hunter New England Local Health District to deliver the expanded community-based services to the southern Lake Macquarie region.
The services will include community orthopaedic rehabilitation as well as discharge supports for patients returning home from Central Coast hospitals.
The expansion builds on the successful rollout of nurse practitioner-led wound care, continence and aged care outreach clinics in early 2025, which have experienced increasing demand.
As one of the fastest-growing areas in the region, southern Lake Macquarie continues to see increasing demand for local health services.
The expanded outreach and rehabilitation services will make it easier for older people, people living with disability or mobility challenges, and families to access the care they need closer to home.
This investment reflects the NSW Government's commitment to ensuring people living in growing communities can access high-quality healthcare services when and where they need them.
This year the Minns Government delivered a $10.3 billion boost to health services across NSW as part of the 26-27 Budget, the largest increase to the health budget in the state’s history.
As the population gets older and health systems around the world experience significant pressure, this record investment ensures a more sustainable future for NSW healthcare.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
“Southern Lake Macquarie is one of the fastest growing areas in the region, and our local health services need to keep pace with that growth.
“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.
“Expanding the service allows more people to recover safely in their own homes, meaning less disruptions, better continuity of care and reduced physical and psychological strain.“
Quotes attributable to the Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley:
“As a local, I know how important it is for people here to be able to access the care that’s close to home and loved ones.
“This service will mean people can get that support closer to home, surrounded by their family, friends and community and that matters when you’re recovering.
“This is about giving people the best possible chance to recover, rebuild their independence and get back to living their lives close to where their lives already are.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper:
“People in southern Lake Macquarie have told us they want access to more services closer to home, and this investment is a direct response to that need.
“This additional funding will support the earlier discharge of patients from hospitals and strengthen local rehabilitation services, making it easier for residents to get the support they need in their own homes and community”.
Quotes attributable to Tracey McCosker PSM, Chief Executive, Hunter New England Local Health District
“Providing care closer to home improves the experience of patients and their families, while helping people stay connected to the support networks that are so important to recovery.
“This investment will enable our District to expand services in southern Lake Macquarie and ensure more people can access high-quality rehabilitation and recovery support in their local community.”