Independent Member for Pittwater Ms Jacqui Scruby says today’s announcement of a new Planned Elective Surgery Centre at Northern Beaches Hospital is a significant step in securing the hospital’s future as a strong, publicly run facility serving the Northern Beaches and being a centre of excellence for elective surgery.
“My priority is that the Northern Beaches Hospital delivers better healthcare to Northern Beaches residents as a public hospital that also retains private hospital services. The Health Minister has confirmed that Northern Beaches residents will have priority healthcare at the hospital and the surgery hub.
“All public hospitals play a role in the broader network. For example, RNSH leads on spinal and burns and Northern Beaches Hospital will lead on elective day surgery.”
“Elective day surgery is only one part of the wide range of services delivered by Northern Beaches Hospital. This announcement also comes with confirmation that investment will be made to expand surgery capacity. The Minister has made clear that increased elective surgeries will not cannibalise existing lists.
“My community has had initial concerns, made worse by alarmist headlines, however the Minister for Health has confirmed that local residents will have priority and day surgeries mean there is limited strain on hospital beds.”
Ms Scruby noted that she will hold the government to account and continue to ensure Northern Beaches residents have the best health care, including tracking key hospital metrics.
“My focus remains pressuring the NSW Government to confirm how private hospital services will continue. Today’s announcement provides a compelling reason for private doctors to stay at the hospital but it’s not enough. I’m disappointed today’s announcement has come before a decision on private services which is more important for my community.”
Ms Scruby said she would continue working with the NSW Government and remains in close contact with local public and private physicians and the AMA.