The doctor shortage at Wellington Hospital is "totally and utterly unacceptable", says Dubbo councillor Vicki Etheridge.
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A petition calling for better health services at Wellington will be circulated by Dubbo Regional Council following concerns from the community.
There is currently only one doctor who services the hospital.
The decision to start a petition was made on Monday night at the November council meeting. Council determined to advocate for better health services in the town, writing to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders.
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Last week, Mr Saunders said he was aware of the public's concerns about the hospital.
"The recruitment of doctors to regional areas continues to be an issue, but I will continue to advocate for our region and I'm confident the plans in place for Wellington will see a positive outcome," he said.
But deputy mayor Stephen Lawrence says the best way to get the government to act is by involving the community.
"Our success in the drug and alcohol rehab centre campaign shows that you always have more chance in succeeding in persuade the state government in providing a particular service or do a part thing if you involve the community in it," he said.
Cr Lawrence said it needed to be made clear that council and the community wanted to problem remedied.
Councillor Vicki Etheridge said she didn't want someone to die before the state government took action.
"I find this position that we're in totally and utterly unacceptable. How can ay one doctor be expected to work part time at the hospital while still trying to run his surgery? How do you expect him to work seven days a week?" she said.
Over time, doctors had retired or left town, leaving a big hole to fill, said councillor David Grant.
"The staff that work there, the nurses and anyone else we have in that hospital, they work hard. But without doctors, there's no point in having a hospital," he said.