The petition was launched by NSW Upper House MP Dawn Walker, health spokesperson for the Greens, and is the brain-child of local councillor Carol Sparks.

“As a local resident, I’ve never seen a petition catch on so quickly in this town,” Cr Sparks said. “There’s been a tremendous response from community members who are looking for a doctor on duty at both Glen Innes hospital, and for that matter Emmaville.

“As a registered nurse, I know just how hard our local doctors and nurses work to deliver care in this town. But without support from Hunter-New England Health for a 24-hour doctor on duty, they are all stretched too thin. Doesn’t the NSW government see the need for round-the-clock healthcare in our rural towns?”

The petition grew from a recent visit to Glen Innes by Ms Walker. 

The Greens MP said she was shocked to learn that the hospital does not have a doctor on duty at all times.

"With the nearest major hospital 100km away in Armidale and local GPs already working full-time all day, the strain on local doctors, nurses and emergency workers is immense. A night-time emergency could all too readily become a tragedy.

“This petition will enable the Glen Innes community to have their voices heard in the NSW parliament, and I will be there to ensure the NSW government pays attention.

"I will be raising this matter with NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard to ensure he understands the depth of feeling in the Glen Innes community. I hope the Health Minister will not ignore the voices of Glen Innes,” said Dawn Walker.

The Examiner has contacted the office of Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall for comment.