Pittwater Online News: The NSW Health Minister has committed the NSW Government will ‘do everything they can’ to return Northern Beaches Hospital public services back into public hands, in front of hundreds of concerned community members at a packed public meeting hosted by local NSW State MPs Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan.
The news, that spells the end of the public private partnership (PPP) that the hospital currently operates under, was greeted with loud applause across the room.
“The NSW Treasurer and I have made a decision to try and right a wrong,” Health Minister Ryan Park told the meeting.
“It’s not going to be easy but we can get there. This is a model of health care that no longer works. From my perspective it’s a model that doesn’t deliver benefits to the community in a way a public hospital does. There is a focus on the bottom line.”...
Ms Scruby added: “Things are moving incredibly quickly both in relation to Healthscope’s financial problems and the NSW Government’s response.
“The public private partnership has already been diabolical. Now we have a hospital that is being run by a company controlled by its lenders and embarking. The opposition now wants to work to find a solution, but they are responsible for creating this mess and it’s the least they can do. We’ve seen a 180 from the Liberal Party, who have apologised to the community and admitted the NBH has been a failure.
“The last thing we want is a new private operator, so the only feasible option is the NSW Government bringing the service into public hands. It’s clear that that is the government’s intention and that is welcome news.”
She stressed that a return to public hands won’t deliver improved services unless further operational investment is made.
“There are many failings, with a significant number relating to underfunding. It won’t be enough to buy back the hospital - we need improvements and increases to services and that will require additional operating expenditure. Minister Park committed to working closely with the Medical Staff Council, doctors who work at the hospital but feel they have been ignored and could have predicted the many issues that have eventuated.”
Ms Scruby said that community voices were crucial in rebuilding trust in public services at the hospital.
“That trust was shattered by the heart-breaking death of two-year-old Joe Massa and baby Harper - and the many people who have shared their experiences with me, and with Michael. Too many people. Too many disturbing stories.
“Joe’s death exposed deep flaws in the operation of Northern Beaches Hospital. When families walk into a public hospital, they should never have to question whether the system will fail them.”
The parliamentary inquiry into the hospital is currently taking submissions (until May 20). Both Mr Regan and Ms Scruby are urging community members to take part in the inquiry.
“It's important that the committee conducting the inquiry hear our experiences and opinions. Every submission can help improve the care our community receives at Northern Beaches Hospital,” said Ms Scruby.