Pittwater Online News: On Thursday April 10 2025 Healthscope announced it 'has confirmed to the New South Wales Government that it is willing to
commence discussions about returning the public hospital at Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH) to the NSW public system, consistent with the project deed'.
According to a statement issued by Healthscope on March 11, 2025, the company has entered into short-term forbearance agreements with its senior lenders. This arrangement gives Healthscope until May to find a “long-term solution” for its operations...
Independent Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby heralded the proposed return of Northern Beaches Hospital's public services to public hands as a major step forward but warns this is the time for action not complacency.
“The news that the hospital’s operators Healthscope have proposed the return of Northern Beaches Hospital to the NSW public system is a welcome development toward ensuring our community receives high-quality, affordable healthcare,” said Ms Scruby.
“But the deal is not yet done. We have a short window of opportunity to put significant pressure on the NSW government to acquire the hospital with the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the hospital currently underway.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for people who have had adverse experiences to make submissions to the inquiry before it ends on 20 May. This is our opportunity to cement our case for returning it to public hands and will put pressure on the government to act.
“I’ve been inundated with stories - on the street and on social media - but unless they are submitted to this inquiry we risk losing momentum.
“The NSW Government has made it clear that public-private partnerships have no place in the management of acute hospitals across the state.’
Ms Scruby also assured local residents that the proposal will not affect healthcare services at Northern Beaches Hospital.
“I want to reassure our community that there will be no disruption to health services at Northern Beaches Hospital while any discussions around this proposal take place. The safety and care of our residents is my top priority, and I will work alongside the Government to ensure continuity of care.
“I look forward to working with the Government, Healthscope, and our community to ensure that Northern Beaches Hospital remains a vital, public healthcare asset that puts the needs of patients first.”