The service will now start in April next year.

NSW Ambulance chief executive Ray Creen blamed the delay on slower than expected recruitment of paramedics, medical staff and flight crew.

Mr Gee came out swinging against the ambulance service, saying he was angry, annoyed and disappointed at the news with he and Health Minister Jillian Skinner’s office only told on Wednesday.

“[Mrs Skinner’s office is] cranky too because the Ambulance Service had assured them that the January date was achievable,” he said. 

“The NSW Ambulance Service needs to shake the lead out on this as we want the service up and running as soon as possible. 

“I’ve been told that that message has been clearly delivered to them.” 

Mr Creen said the unfortunate but unavoidable delay would not compromise patient care and ambulance services would continue at existing levels until the 24-hour coverage comes online. 

“NSW Ambulance is working hard to advance this recruitment sooner,” he said.

“I can assure the people of Orange they are in safe hands and NSW Ambulance will continue to deliver quick, quality care for local patients.”

The new service needs 1.5 full time equivalent (FTE) retrieval doctors available for every flight and two extra FTE paramedics for helicopter retrieval.

While Mr Gee was “ticked off” about the delay he assured the community the 24-hour retrieval service was still going ahead.

“We’ve crashed through every barrier that’s been put in our way to date, so this isn’t going to stop us, but maybe there are some bureaucrats out there who could use a fire lit under them,” he said. 

“My message to them is get cracking and make this happen.”