A short statement from the area health service announcing the decision gave no clues as to how many staff would be affected, where they would be relocated, or what impact this decision will have on waiting lists that are already stretched to the limit.

Surgeons, who say they weren't consulted, have warned that their waiting lists will blow out to unmanageable limits without the ability to operate at Bulli.

They are yet to be told where or how many days they will be able to operate, but with both Wollongong and Shellharbour hospitals already suffering bed and staff shortages, they aren't hopeful of receiving equivalent operating time.

With no details forthcoming from the area health service, it can only be assumed that the reason for this closure is financial.

It comes hot on the heels of revelations that the NSW Government's health budget had blown out by more than $300 million, and that a number of health services - including the South East Sydney Illawarra service - are failing to pay their bills on time.

The Government has a responsibility to maintain a safe, prompt and accessible health service. Unfortunately, it is failing in its duty.