A plan to close the obstetrics operating theatre at Temora hospital has been abandoned.

The theatre was to have closed at the end of this month as it was deemed unsafe for surgery.

The room was found to have sub-standard air conditioning and wall suction in an audit conducted by the Australian Council of Healthcare Services.

The planned closure brought an angry response from the Temora community and Health Minister Brad Hazzard entered the debate after saying he had been keep in the dark on the issue.

“The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Board resolved to continue surgical services at the Temora Hospital operating theatre as currently provided,” Murrumbidgee Local Health District Board chairwoman Gayle Murphy said.

“We will continue discussions with local doctors and staff as well as Temora Council and the Local Health Advisory Committee around all aspects of local hospital services including opportunities to enhance services.”