A GP obstetrician locum who was supposed to cover 11 days of planned leave pulled out and a replacement is yet to be found.

The Maternity Unit remains open and a GP obstetrician would be available for the majority of the Christmas period, Hunter New England Health rural and regional services executive director Susan Heyman said.

"During this time, women in labour should present to Moree Hospital as usual, for comprehensive assessment by midwives," she said.

"The midwives, in consultation with medical staff will arrange for a transfer to Narrabri or Tamworth if necessary or appropriate."

All of the women who are due to give birth during January have been contacted by staff at the hospital and made aware of the situation.

There are no planned cesareans or inductions during the 11-day period that the GP obstetrician locum who pulled out was expected to cover.

The Leader was contacted by a member of the community who said heavily pregnant women were being told to make other arrangements for the birth of their children just weeks before their due date.

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However, Ms Heyman maintains care will be provided to pregnant women who need it.

"There will be continued medical cover in the Moree Hospital Emergency Department throughout December and January," she said.

The hospital remains open, but pregnant women may need to be transferred to Tamworth or Narrabri.

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