The NSW Health Minister has committed that the NSW Government will "do everything they can" to return Northern Beaches Hospital public services back into public hands, in front of a packed public meeting hosted by local NSW State MPs Micheal Regan and Jacqui Scruby. 

The outcomes from the meeting were that the government is committed to buying back the public services of the hospital, that it will invest in addressing known issues and prioritise safety and will engage and listen to doctors to make improvements. 

Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane apologised on behalf of the Coalition. 

Ms Scruby noted that Ms Sloane’s apology is welcomed by the community but also acknowledges failed Liberal policy that has let down the Northern Beaches.

“It’s time to end the rhetoric about Liberals delivering for Pittwater when this Hospital has not only been a failure in healthcare but a failure in fiscal policy and a huge failure when it comes to the Northern Beaches community - that we are now trying to rectify.”

The strong representations from the Minister and Treasurer, which spell the end of the current public private partnership (PPP) at the hospital, 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.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the government owed the community and should be accountable. 

“Private equity should not be running acute emergency care.” 

Ms Scruby stated it was extra-ordinary to have both the Treasurer and Health Minister to come to the electorate and engage so genuinely. 

“The commitment from the NSW Government to not only work to buy back the hospital but also improve services, which will come at increasing operational investment, will result in better hospital services for the Northern Beaches.”

“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.” 

Asked by a staff representative about whether there’d be increased funding if the hospital is taken over by the government, Minister Park replied: “We will make sure it is a properly funded hospital.”

Ms Scruby noted that Healthscope has financial problems and is trying to sell its hospitals. 

“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.”

Minister Park said new arrangements would “put safety first, safety second and safety third,” and promised it would enforce nurse patient ratios.

The treasurer assured everyone that his staff were working “seven days a week and around the clock” on extracting the hospital from the PPP contract, although when pressed he said the timeline is still “uncertain.” He assured the audience that while Healthscope’s “finances are precarious…NSW health has been preparing contingency planning.” 

Local federal MPs Dr Sophie Scamps and Zali Steggall OAM MP, NSW Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane, and NSW MP for Manly James Griffin, along with former NSW Premier Barrie Unsworth, were all present at the meeting. The audience included members of staff from the Hospital, and NSW Health counselling support. 

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.”

Submissions can be made here. 

Further information:

• The Parliamentary Inquiry will be accept submissions about experiences at the hospital between 30 October 2018 and 13 March 2025. Full terms of reference are available - https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3094#tab-termsofreference 
• The Audit Office report was published on 17 April 2025 https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/northern-beaches-hospital.

The Northern Beaches Hospital Taskforce ordered by NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey is investigating the continuing operation of the public private partnership, and compliance by hospital operators Healthscope - https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/northern-beaches-hospital-taskforce-begins-work