General Manager of GSAHS Ken Barnett, responded that "we are having a look at the nursing profile that has been put out for Braidwood. However in light of that, (Dr Nilssons comments), we will sit down and talk to the doctors in Braidwood and review the situation, especially at night."

Mr Barnett said he was "Well aware of the role that Braidwood plays and the excellent service that they provide."

"It's only a proposal at this stage" he said. "We understand the support and passion for the Braidwood MPS, the points raised are well made and we will revisit them" he said.

Mary Mathais, committee member of the BMPS Advisory Committee says that "The MPS Advisory Committee will hold a special meeting Wednesday evening to discuss all aspects of the proposed staffing cuts. Committee member Mary Mathias believes that "Cuts of this proportion and type will not only eliminate some of the current health services but will seriously compromise the safety and quality of the emergency service offered, particularly at night. However I suggest that the major threat will be to Braidwood's ability to keep and attract doctors. This is about protecting health roles that allow Braidwood families to feel secure in the knowledge that our MPS will continue to meet our health needs but also provide those medical challenges which allow our doctors to use their highly developed professional skills." The Advisory Committee will continue to work with the doctors and the community to maintain the viability of this vital facility. Mary suggests there is much to be discussed with Southern Area Health before this issue is settled. "Let us not be lulled into a false sense of security."

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said on Monday that "the services at the Braidwood MPS won't be downgraded and we'll ensure that the emergency room stays open at Braidwood."

"However I won't rule out all staff cuts as we have to try and make the budget work. The emergency room will require a critical number of nursing staff to stay" he said.

Mr Whan said that "There's a broader issue here, but in Braidwood's case I have spoken to the Greater Southern Area Health Service, and no action will be taken that will see the emergency room downgraded."

The Nationals Melinda Pavey MLC, Duty Member for Monaro and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services called on Steve Whan to "come clean on how many jobs will be axed and take full responsibility for the added pressure this will pace on the already over stretched doctors and nurses at Braidwood."

"Community nursing plays a key role in areas like Braidwood and helps maintain people in their homes and helps to avoid people presenting to over stretched GP's, and emergency service departments" said Pavey.

Palerang GM Peter Bascomb said the report of cutbacks were disappointing. "Council has worked cooperatively with the Rural Doctors Network-NSW and GSAHS about the improvement of medical services in Braidwood by the application for funding for a new medical centre. With the grant of the funding, any cut back at the MPS would be a case of one step forward and two back for health services for the district."

The local issue arises as the Federal Labor Government announced on Monday possible commonwealth takeover of the nation's public hospital system with a major review of health care to be conducted in the next six months.