With a generous donation of $382,900 from the Community Bank of Elmore, Lockington and Rochester, REDHS is set to erect five new single bed modular units.
With scarce short-term accommodation options in the area, the build will help future staff or visiting families solve the issue of finding accommodation.
REDHS chief executive Mary Manescu said the new units would be a valuable addition to the hospital.
“It certainly will add a lot of value to attract and also retain staff,” she said.
“It's so hard to really motivate practitioners to this area ... both clinical and non-clinical staff.
“We've had students that would have pulled out of their placements if accommodation wasn't available ... the community has stepped in to help some of those (people) currently, but it's something that needs to be more sustainable.
“So we're looking forward to (the accommodation). It will create a beautiful extension of our building infrastructure.”
The new addition will be placed at 14 Village Drive, alongside the education centre and the future Men’s Shed, which will also be built early next year.
The units will be designed for individuals and will feature all the basic needs, including a bathroom, kitchen and dining area.
One of the five units will also be DDA compliant to ensure accessibility for people with a disability.
As well as future staff, family members visiting aged care or palliative care residents from outside of Rochester for special events will have access to the accommodation if available.
Although the modular buildings have already been put together, REDHS is still working on other plans for the accommodation site before the buildings can be put into place.
At this stage, REDHS is hoping to complete the accommodation by mid-2026 and will be operational soon after.
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