Dr Alec Gillespie - who first joined the hospital in 1990 - has decided to scale down his workload and professional commitments in the latter stages of his career.

While he will no longer be working at Katoomba Hospital, he says he will continue to work at his private practice in Leura and at the birthing unit at Windsor Hospital. He will also be `on call' at Nepean and Springwood hospitals.

"There was too much `on call' work (for me), so I'm now going to concentrate on fewer responsibilities," Dr Gillespie said.

Reflecting on his time at Katoomba, he said: "I've enjoyed my time and it was a difficult decision to leave. I've certainly been responsible for a good few births here."

Keep Birthing in the Mountains expressed a sense of sadness about Dr Gillespie's forthcoming departure.

Spokesperson Naomi Parry said: "He is a highly skilled specialist who has cared for many of us during our pregnancies and delivered some of our children. He also worked very hard for the maternity unit. We thank him for his work and support of the midwife-led model which we expect to see implemented in 2004 and we wish him all the best."

Mrs Parry said she expected Wentworth Area Health Service (WAHS) to be able to fill the position with qualified staff, because "as word of the midwife-led model spreads, many good doctors will apply to work in the Mountains."

Dr Gillespie did warn that recruitment may be even more difficult in the future.

"A recent workforce survey by the College of Obstetricians found that there were 800 practising obstetricians in Australia, but forecast that this figure would drop by 180 over the next four years," he said.

"There is likely to be an increasing shortage of obstetricians and it could be more difficult to keep small units going. The hospital at Windsor has a large maternity unit and it's struggling."

WAHS claims that there will be no change to the level or quality of obstetric service provided following Dr Gillespie's departure.

A spokesperson said that staff specialist Dr Boulos, visiting obstetrician Dr Kashir, and three experienced locums will provide high quality, 24/7 obstetric cover while recruitment is under way.

"Advertising for a new obstetrician was not possible over Christmas but will commence this week. Wentworth Area Health Service does not envisage any difficulties in filling the obstetric roster while recruitment is under way," she said.