Northern Beaches Advocate:
The NSW Government announced today (Wednesday, 28 January) the Northern Beaches Hospital at Frenchs Forest (main image) will help to clear the elective surgery backlog for Western Sydney.
Those views were echoed by Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby (image above, centre), who said local residents would be assured priority treatment at the hospital.
“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, Royal North Shore Hospital 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.
“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,” said Ms Scruby.
Dale Cohen