As a long-time advocate for improved health services across the Bathurst region, Mr Kellett has always favoured a co-operative approach over a combative one as the best way of achieving a goal.

So when he says Bathurst risks "missing the boat" on a major transition being undertaken across the state's health services, the community should listen.

Mr Kellett last week addressed Bathurst Regional Council urging it to take seriously its responsibilities with regard to planning for the NSW Health Bathurst Community and Region Integrated Clinical Services Plan 2019-2029.

He warned Bathurst was already playing the poor cousin to Orange when it came to health funding and urged council - and the community - to demand better.

"Firstly, it is important for us to learn from experience," Mr Kellett told councillors.

"The new hospital that was commissioned in 2008 was the first hospital rebuild in the district.

"Orange was the second and it achieved a bed base twice the size of ours which has contributed to their disproportionate growth in a range of specialist services."

Mr Kellett's words put on the record the fears that many in the community have had for a decade or more - that Bathurst's health services are being systematically downgraded in favour of Orange.

And while the proximity of the two cities means it would be financially irresponsible to duplicate all services in both centres, it remains an insult to a city of 45,000 people that we cannot have even a fracture properly treated here.

On the same night that Mr Kellett addressed council, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Lachlan Host also spoke to councillors, telling them that local doctors were genuinely worried about the talent drain from our hospital.

As Bathurst continues to grow we will need more health services here, not fewer - and the time to start fighting is now.

Council must play the leading role but the community must also become more vocal.

And state member Paul Toole, who has just been returned to government on an increased margin, must make quelling the unrest that is growing among local health providers will be his greatest test over the next four years.

Bathurst deserves better, and we must fight to make it happen.