Mr Newton left the hospital in the hands of acting general manager Catherine Nowlan in November to take up the “temporary” position of acting director of clinical governance for the Western Sydney Local Health District.

Yesterday the Western NSW Local Health District confirmed that Mr Newton would not be returning to his position at Dubbo Base Hospital.

It also advised that Ms Nowlan would finish up in Dubbo on February 27, to take up the reins of the new Orange hospital as its general manager.

A spokeswoman for the district said it had plans to “immediately” begin recruiting for the top job at Dubbo’s public hospital.

She said in the absence of a “new appointment” by the end of the month, another acting general manager would have to be found.

The Western NSW Local Health District would not release further information pertaining to Mr Newton.

The media office of the Western Sydney Local Health District did not return the Daily Liberal’s call yesterday.

In March 2010, Mr Newton became the permanent head of Dubbo Base Hospital, replacing acting general manager Lynne Weir.

Then chief executive of the Western NSW Local Health District Danny O’Connor welcomed Mr Newton.

In January 2011, Mr O’Connor became the chief executive of the Western Sydney Local Health District.

Ms Weir was acting chief executive of the Western NSW Local Health District until the August appointment of New Zealander Ron Dunham.

The Western NSW Local Health District will use newspapers and the internet in its search for a new general manager for Dubbo Base Hospital.

Mr Newton earned the respect of the community for his efforts to move the hospital into the 21st century, including infrastructure changes and the boosting of its medical workforce.

Dubbo Health Council chairwoman Elizabeth Allen has previously told of Mr Newton’s ability to “pull things together”.

In a statement yesterday, the Western NSW Health District acknowledged Mr Newton’s contribution and wished him well in his “future endeavours”.