Under the Public Health Order, NSW Health employees are required to have their first dose of the vaccine by September 30, and be fully vaccinated by November 30, in order to keep working.

"While the vast majority of staff have embraced vaccination, unfortunately a very small minority have indicated they do not wish to be vaccinated," an MLHD spokesperson said.

Healthcare staff have until midnight on Thursday to either receive their first dose, or show proof they had booked an appointment to receive it.

"If staff choose to remain unvaccinated and vacate their role, then we will prioritise recruitment action to that vacancy," the spokesperson said.

MLHD executive director of medical services Dr Len Bruce said that some of the unvaccinated staff members may have temporary or permanent exemptions.

"We're just working with them to make sure that they remain safe and that we can also comply with the Public Health Order," he said.

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The MLHD has identified Deniliquin Hospital as the "only facility in the MLHD" that may experience a disruption to its workforce, with some staff indicating they won't be coming forward for the jab.

Long-time Deniliquin health advocate Shirlee Burge said the loss of any staff at the hospital will be "further diminishing an already diminished healthcare staff".

She said there has been a lack of staff at the hospital "for years", and the loss of any more will put the facility in crisis mode.

"In a small community like this, I think [the mandate] needs consideration," Ms Burge said.

"Is it better to have them there in full PPE to keep the system running?"

An MLHD spokesperson said that any loss of staff at Deniliquin will only be felt in the short-term.

"Emergency care, maternity, renal and surgical services will all continue to be provided as usual at Deniliquin Hospital," the spokesperson said.

Work is underway to redeploy staff and engage agency nurses while recruitment is underway, the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday night a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 presented to Deniliquin Hospital, with the case to be included in tomorrow's numbers.

"The patient is awaiting transfer to Melbourne as per the Victorian pathways for COVID patients," Dr Bruce said.

"We have processes to manage those patients in a safe way and minimise staff exposure."

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