A community action group says it has "lost confidence" in the Bathurst Health Service and Western NSW Local Health District and will be taking its concerns to the Minister for Health.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For much of this year, the Bathurst Health Services Action Group has been pushing for improvements at the hospital after serious concerns were raised by health professionals and the community.
It has identified more than 10 areas with serious shortfalls and further whittled that down to a few priorities that need immediate attention.
At the top of the list is emergency orthopaedic services, along with urology, gynaecology services, and ear, nose and throat specialists.
The group says the hospital also needs more nursing staff, saying the current employees are "overworked".
Spokesman Warren Aubin said the group feels the health district isn't doing enough to improve services in Bathurst, which is why local member Paul Toole has been asked to set up a meeting with the health minister, Brad Hazzard.
"We have to be sitting down with the minister and giving him our points that we've gone through that we actually need," he said.
"There's a range of specialties we need addressed. We don't want a duplication of Orange - it will never happen and it's not needed - but the people of Bathurst need certain areas of health care that we haven't got and that's the crux of the whole thing."
Mr Aubin that all the deficiencies can't be solved overnight, but the group feels they should be able to be addressed within three years.
The WNSWLHD has been working on the integrated clinical services plan for the Bathurst Hospital in recent months.
Acting chief executive Mark Spittal said that the commitment of the health district and hospital management is not in doubt.
"The district has complete confidence in the management of the Bathurst Health Service, and in the broader workforce," he said.
"These are people who are deeply committed to providing the best care possible and who deserve the support of their community.
"They are part of a wider team of health professionals and a leadership team that recognises and respects the work they do, and the role of Bathurst Health Service in our district."
He noted that Bathurst Health Service has met all requirements under the accreditation process through the National Safety and Quality Health Service, and that management regularly consults with staff and Bathurst Regional Council on current and future services.
Mr Aubin reiterated that the action group only takes issue with the health district and hospital management, and he praised clinical staff for the work they do.
