Jacqui Scruby MP welcomes finalisation of the Northern Beaches Hospital agreement
Independent Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby MP, has welcomed the finalisation of the agreement, between Healthscope and the NSW Government, to return Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership.
Ms Scruby said: “This is an important milestone for care in the Northern Beaches and is a win for patients, staff and the Pittwater community who faced significant uncertainty with the hospital being placed into receivership and for sale following Healthscope’s collapse. However, the government must deliver on its promise of retaining private hospital services.”
Under the agreement, the 494-bed hospital will return to public ownership and be integrated into the NSW public health system, with staff offered ongoing employment and their leave entitlements preserved.
“Confirmation of these details provides better clarity and stability for public hospital staff which will be welcome news before Christmas as many have faced months of uncertainty about their futures. However, private doctors and staff continue to be left in limbo,” she said.
“Public hospitals should be public and now ours will be. No more profits before patients. But we must fight for our private hospital services. The government has promised to deliver but has failed to confirm key details, including transition arrangements and whether doctors can book lists beyond April.”
“The majority of Northern Beaches residents hold private health insurance and want choice between public and private healthcare, so it is vital that the government ensures that private services at Northern Beaches Hospital are maintained into the future.”
Ms Scruby noted that both her and the Member for Wakehurst had been staunch advocates for private doctors, meeting regularly with doctors and the AMA.
“Today’s agreement is a significant step towards restoring confidence, stability and trust in our local hospital so that it may deliver the care our community deserves, but I continue to put weekly pressure on the government to give certainty to our private doctors and ensure we don’t lose our outstanding private services.”
Media contact: Tiffany Elvy | Phone: 0408 229 611 | Email: [email protected]
Office of Jacqui Scruby MP, Independent Member for Pittwater