The council launched the petition last month, calling on the NSW government to re-open a medical ward at Orange Health Service that had previously been used for palliative care.

Signatures have been collected at various council facilities in Orange and copies of the blank petition form are available to be placed in local businesses and shops.

Cr Taylor said Orange had “a good track record” when it came to petitions, having successfully collected 30,000 signatures on a petition to secure a 24-hour helicopter service for Orange.

“That was the second highest number of signatures ever presented to parliament,” Cr Taylor said.

“We’re hoping for a large number of signatures for this one, that’s why we’re keeping it going until April.

“We want to give as many people as possible in the community the opportunity to sign it.”

Cr Taylor said he had been contacted by several people who, while praising the level of care given by hospital staff, resented the lack of a designated palliative care unit.

“Families want to be away from the hustle and bustle of hospital business,” he said.

“The period when a patient spends their last hours in hospital is a very sensitive time for their family members.

“It’s important that the health service makes its decision based on the best evidence, but there’s an important community debate to be had about whether what’s happening now, where patients are passing away in a general ward with other patients nearby, is the best system.” 

Council staff also plan to write to Orange Health Service to raise concerns about the level of support for palliative care at Orange hospital.

The council will also ask the health service to establish a trust fund to allow for community donations specifically directed to palliative care.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au