Bathurst has been named the fastest growing city in regional NSW, yet the terms of reference for the independent review quote a population of 35,844 for the city.

The figure appears to be based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics health population data from the 2009 Census.

While a growing population is acknowledged in the document, it is possible the speed with which the Bathurst region is growing may not have been considered.

Based on census figures from 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996 and 1991 council estimates the population of the Bathurst region is currently 40,183, while the latest NSW Department of Infrastructure and Planning estimate released just over two months ago offers a projection that the Bathurst region will have a population of 52,500 by 2031. 

This previous estimate had to be recalculated due to the speed with which Bathurst is growing. 

The terms of reference document also states that Bathurst provides referral to several small communities including Oberon which has a population of 4600 and Rylestone Kandos which has a population of 1800. 

According to the terms of reference for the review of the hospital, Bathurst Health Service has 177 treatment spaces, including 78 ED assessable beds.

Of these there are 36 staffed ward beds with an additional 15 surge beds available, which are staffed as required. 

It is believed that ICU tried to access three surge beds last week but were unable to.

Bathurst hospital has 11 emergency department beds, while critical care has one intensive care bed, three high dependency beds and three coronary care beds.

There are seven paediatric beds at Bathurst hospital, and the rehabilitation unit has 16 rehabilitation beds and four Transitional Aged Care Program beds.

There are four operating theatres, 13 perioperative spaces and six recovery spaces.

According to the terms of reference in 2012-13 there were 23,877 presentations to Bathurst Emergency Department, with 12,223 admitted as inpatients.

The document adds that Bathurst Health Service provides specialised health care via Level 4 Emergency, Level 4 General Surgical, Level 4 Medical, Level 4 Maternity, Level 4 Gynaecology, Level 4 Oncology, Level 4 Palliative Care, Level 3 Paediatric, Level 4 Intensive Care, Level 4 Cardiology, Level 4 Rehabilitation, Level 4 Day Surgery and Level 3 Oral Health.

It has an active Chronic and Primary Health home care health services (CAPAC) unit. 

The Level 5 community health service includes a district Brain Injury Unit based on site. There is also a Level 4 inpatient Mental Health Unit on site.

The Terms of Reference indicate Orange Health Service provides Level 4-5 services and Bloomfield provides level six mental health services.