Mrs Adams has 33 years experience in the health field and was appointed manager of the amalgamated services by Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) this week.

The move follows approval from the NSW Nurses’ Association to change the management structure at a number of GWAHS sites.

According to Mrs Adams it will be business as usual.

“I have managed two health services before so I need to work with the staff to work out how to set it up.

“Clerical assistance for my new role will be reviewed.

“I will be sharing my time across both campuses and I am looking forward to building on the great work that Gulgong Health Services Manager, Wendy Sievert, has done.”

She said under the amalgamation she would be responsible for 200 staff in full-time, part-time and casual positions over both sites.

“My main role is ensuring overall management of both sites and working with relevant department heads to continue to provide a high standard of care.”

“There will be no changes to the provision of bed, emergency and community health care we have always had.

She said the current occupancy rate of the Mudgee hospital is a low 50 per cent.

“This is because our focus has been on primary health care which is evident by the increase in the number of healthy lifestyle group sessions.

“They are being run here at the hospital and have started over the past 12 months,” she said.

Asked about the future of health provision for the area, Mrs Adams said there was an increased need for dialysis services.

Head of the Mudgee Area Health Council, James Loneragan said while the council had been opposed to the amalgamation of the two health services, if anybody can pull it together it will be Joy Adams.

“She will do the best for both communities in a difficult situation.”

He said despite this he believed the level of service to patients would fall unless she is given an appropriate level of assistance. He said it was imperative she get a commitment from GWAHS for clerical assistance.

“Joy had a full-time job in Mudgee and now she is expected to do a full-time job in Gulgong as well.

“She must get a firm commitment for clerical assistance because without that the level of service would have to be compromised.”