Greater Western Area Health Service eastern cluster general manager Narelle Davis attended Wednesday night’s Health Council meeting to answer questions posed by the group on behalf of the community.

Health Council chair Julie Ann Maher yesterday said Ms Davis was keen to allay concerns about rumours that Bathurst’s maternity unit was under threat of closure.

“Ms Davis categorically assured us the maternity section of Bathurst Base Hospital will not be closed,” Ms Maher said.

However, Ms Maher said it was disappointing Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin was unable to attend for the second month in a row.

“There were many issues we felt he could clear up for us,” she said.

“For instance, on a number of occasions during the meeting the general manager said the current shortfall in medical and midwifery staff had been predicted for more than five years.

“How valuable it would have been had Mr Martin made himself available to advise us of the action the government had taken during this time to alleviate this problem.”

Ms Maher said it is critical for the Health Council to be kept in loop so members can properly represent the community and address problems before it is too late.