The news that Northern Beaches Hospital operator Healthscope is entering into partial receivership confirms long standing concerns about the failure of the public private hospital from both a healthcare and financial perspective.

“It is now crunch time. With hedge fund backers pushing for Healthscope’s’ assets to be sold, the NSW Government must seize this opportunity to buy not just the public beds, but the entire Northern Beaches Hospital. Northern Beaches residents deserve a hospital with enough beds and services to meet the needs of our growing community, now and into the future,” said independent Pittwater MP, Jacqui Scruby.

“I have been briefed by the Treasurer and Health Minister this morning and have been assured that contingency plans are in place and that it will continue to ensure healthcare services are provided without interruption at the Northern Beaches Hospital, including its 24/7 emergency department, surgeries and maternity. I’ve also called for a hotline to be established. 

“The government has also said that continuity of care and patient safety remain a priority, along with protection of the rights and entitlements of staff and that they have a NSW Health executive team to step in if required.

“Buying the hospital isn’t enough. There must also be increased operational investment to address the systemic dysfunction, chronic staff shortages and underfunding identified by doctors, nurses and the recent independent NSW Auditor General’s report.

“The audit and health worker whistleblowers have confirmed what our community has long known: The Northern Beaches Hospital privatisation has failed to deliver safe, integrated care and has systemic dysfunction.”

A recent public forum organised by Michael Regan MP (Wakehurst) and Ms Scruby, attended by more than 400 residents, made this failure clear. In a significant moment, Kelly Sloane MP, Shadow Minister for Health, apologised on behalf of the former Liberal-National Coalition Government for the hospital’s privatisation.

“It is time to end this failed Liberal Party experiment. Our community deserves a public hospital that puts people before profits,” said Ms Scruby.

“I will continue to hold the government to account to deliver more beds, more services and more investment.”

Ms Scruby says she will keep the community informed as the situation evolves.