The Hunter New England Health District is one of nine rural and regional areas in New South Wales which will soon have new palliative care specialists.
Although the location of the new specialist is not yet determined Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health Leslie Williams says there is at least one specialist coming to the region.
"Those decisions about where they will specifically go is up to the local health district themselves. We will be able to make announcements once those positions are both advertised and then filled.
"This announcement is great news for rural and regional communities. Palliative care specialists obviously play a very key role when it comes to end of life care for patients and for families," Ms Williams said.
The increase in services was announced as part of the NSW Budget earlier this year, and now NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard says the government is delivering on its commitment.
"Providing first-class palliative care in every part of the state is a key priority for the Government and this investment will significantly strengthen the palliative care workforce, particularly in regional and rural areas," Mr Hazzard said.
