Day Procedures Australia, which currently runs Orange Private Day Surgery, represented the doctors at a meeting with Catholic Healthcare in Sydney yesterday.

Afterwards spokesman Dr Bill Mackie said it was now probable that Bathurst would end up with a private surgical service in the future. He said while there are some barriers at this stage, none appeared to be insurmountable.

“There is a lot of optimism,” Dr Mackie said.

“We want to do this kind of project and are very interested in making it happen. However, the issues that made it difficult for Catholic Healthcare could also be problematic for us.

“We have to do our due diligence.”

Dr Mackie said doctors would need to look at the cost of building new theatres. Legal and licensing issues would also need to be examined and doctors have to consider what new services they could bring to the facility to improve its viability.

Dr Mackie said the project, if it goes ahead, would be very important for Bathurst as a way of keeping specialists in the city.

Catholic Healthcare general manager David Maher said the plan was to establish a day surgical service in Bathurst with 10 to 20 overnight beds.

He said Catholic Healthcare was working with Day Procedures Australia to continue day surgery services on the current St Vincent’s site from the time the facility closes until new premises can be completed in another location. He said it is hoped this will be within 12 months.

Late yesterday afternoon Member for Macquarie Bob Debus received information from Catholic Healthcare CEO Chris Rigby that the organisation would be applying for assistance with equipment and work to ensure safety at the St Vincent’s site during the transition period.

Mr Debus said he would be assisting them in every way possible.

In the meantime Bathurst Regional Council will be approached regarding appropriate sites for the new day surgical service.