Avisiting medical specialist has ended his 15-year association with Millicent and District Hospital.

The Adelaide-based surgeon has cited family reasons for his decision.

This matter was raised at a recent meeting of the Millicent Health Advisory Council and reported to the May meeting of Wattle Range Council by its representative Councillor Kevin McGrath.

He said Millicent Hospital had spent a considerable sum on surgical equipment to assist the visiting specialist.

Cr McGrath said the authorities were looking to find a replacement for him and, in the meantime, services would be provided at the Naracoorte and Millicent hospitals by three other relevant specialists who are based in Mount Gambier.

His remarks prompted Cr John Drew to state that he believed the number of surgical services currently provided at Millicent was small.

Cr McGrath replied by saying that day surgery at Millicent remained popular.

He said he would check on the surgical services activity levels at the June meeting of the Millicent HAC.