An announcement was made on Thursday evening that Dr Yahya will provide Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) services at the Gulgong Multipurpose Service.

Gulgong resident Sharelle Fellows who on Wednesday handed over the petition calling on a new doctor for Gulgong said it was welcome news.

"This is great news for the Gulgong community," she said.

"Gulgong welcomes the restoration of VMO rights for the wellbeing of the community. Telehealth was never intended to replace medical staff."

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WNSWLHD Director of Rural Health and Medical Services Shannon Nott said it was "great news for the Gulgong community."

"We have been committed to finding a solution at Gulgong, which is now a step closer," he said.

"The finalisation of the contract is underway and we hope to have Dr Yahya will be able to start working at the hospital by the mid November, 2020.

The WNSWLHD said it is still continuing to actively recruit to additional VMO roles at Gulgong MPS.

"The district welcomes expressions of interest or applications from any general practitioner, including locally in Gulgong," Dr Nott said.

"It is the district's clear commitment to our communities to have medical officers available in all our healthcare facilities wherever possible."

"The local doctors and Gulgong MPS team are incredibly committed to their community. We've been able to keep the dialogue going in relation to medical services and that's had a great result.

Dr Nott said recruiting health professionals to regional, rural and remote areas is a challenge nationwide and not just confined to the Mudgee region.

"The WNSWLHD will continue to work with the Western NSW Primary Health Network, Mudgee Council and other local organisations to develop opportunities to attract more health professionals across the District," he said.

Some questions still remain about the appointment of Dr Nebras including how many days he will work at the MPS and how long the contract will last.

The Western NSW Health District has been contacted for comment.

In addition to the reappointment of Dr Nebras, Western NSW Health has announced that a modified bypass system has been put in place that will allow Gulgong ambulance paramedics to use their discretion when transporting patients, as to which hospital they will be taken to.

"An agreement has been reached that will permit ambulance officers to use their clinical judgement in determining whether patients are transferred to Gulgong Multipurpose Service," statement from the health district said.

"This agreement may be modified depending on the medical services available at Gulgong MPS in the future.

"WNSWLHD and NSW Ambulance have established a joint planning process focused on making sure the clinical care of local patients across the entire district is being delivered in the safest, most co-ordinated way possible."

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