Scott McLachlan announced last week that he will be leaving his role as chief executive of the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) in November, moving on to a similar role on the central coast.

READ MORE: Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan announces plan to move on

It comes after eight years of service, with Mr McLachlan saying it was time for him to "take on a new challenge".

"After eight years in this role, I believe it's time for me to take on a new challenge, and to also allow a fresh leadership approach in this region," he said.

"This was my first posting as a chief executive and I've both learned from, and enjoyed the role. It's been a privilege to work with our exceptional clinical workforce, all the supporting services, our leadership team and board, and our local communities.

"It's been a challenging role, but I could not have asked for a more rewarding experience."

The Bathurst Health Services Action Group has had a rocky relationship with Mr McLachlan since its formation in 2019.

Chairman of the group, Warren Aubin, said the group hasn't been satisfied with his leadership, feeling the health services have gone "backwards" during his time.

"Every time we spoke to this guy, he'd talk Bathurst Health Service up, but it was all spin. Everything with that guy was spin, and hopefully the new CEO, whoever it may be, will step into the role and see Bathurst has been hard-done-by over the last 10 years and do something about it," he said.

The group, which includes health professionals in the community, wants to see an increase in services at the hospital and more staff who live in the area.

Mr Aubin said he will reach out to the new chief executive as soon as possible to "start off on the right foot and get some new services happening in this hospital".

Mr McLachlan's resignation comes less than 10 months after the chairman of the WNSWLHD board, Scott Griffiths, retired.

He was replaced by Bathurst businessman Matthew Irvine.

Mr Aubin said the action group has been glad to see some fresh blood coming into the health district, hoping that it will lead to some better outcomes for Bathurst.

"It's be really nice to get Bathurst back on the medical map and get some decent services happening for the people of Bathurst so that they don't have to go by ways of Orange and other health services to get treated," he said.

"It should be done in Bathurst, we're a growing a city, a very fast-growing city."

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