A community survey has prompted Hunter New England Health (HNEH) to revert the name of Taree's public hospital back to Manning Base Hospital. The name received 514 of the 851 votes cast by the public.

The other options were Manning Hospital and Manning Rural Referral Hospital.

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said HNEH has honoured the survey results.

"While the name of the hospital reflected its function in accordance with the NSW hospital naming policy, it was clear that the local community felt very strongly about the name of our public hospital," Mr Bromhead said.

"The district actively sought the public's opinion through the survey, giving all community members the opportunity to participate in the naming process.

"The results clearly show the majority of the people who voted preferred a return to the name of Manning Base Hospital."

The change was to reflect the hospital's role in providing specialised care to patients from across the region.

Lower North Coast sector general manager Jodi Nieass said "while the name of the hospital has changed, it will not change the role or function of the hospital in the Manning region."

New signage to reflect the change will be installed imminently.