The Auditor General’s report on the delivery of public services at the Northern Beaches Hospital, released on 17 April, concluded that the hospital is ‘not effectively delivering integrated, high-quality healthcare and not performing to the requirements of the public-private partnership deed.
Independent Wakehurst Michael Regan, who instigated the independent audit shortly after his election in 2023, said the review was essential to ensure Healthscope is accountable for the quality of public healthcare being delivered to our community.
“This performance audit report is a sobering expose. It leaves no doubt that the model of care at Northern Beaches Hospital, where core public services are delivered by a private entity, has failed our community,” said Mr Regan.
The report found a lack of obligation to implement NSW Health reforms, including safe staffing levels, incompatible clinical systems, minimal oversight of minor harm or near-miss incidents, an underperforming emergency department, and strained relationships with staff, patients, and stakeholders.
“After reading the report, I have a heavy heart for the human cost on patients and staff,” said Mr Regan. “I also have a fire in my belly to keep fighting to make sure the people of the Northern Beaches get the quality of healthcare they deserve.”
Pittwater Independent MP Jacqui Scruby said the report added ‘further strength and momentum to return public services to the public hands at the hospital, so we can have transparency, accountability and real-time oversight of the hospital’s performance and rebuild community confidence.’
“This audit shows how public patients in our community are being let down. This was a failed experiment at the expense of patients. Emergency and public care should not be run by the for-profit sector,” said Ms Scruby.
“We owe the brave parents of Joe Massa, the parents of baby Harper, and other patients who have been let down by the hospital to get this right.”
Mr Regan said the audit would help inform the broader Parliamentary Inquiry into the hospital.
“The audit gives us a crucial evidence base,” said Mr Regan. “But the community voice is just as important,” Mr Regan said. “If you or your loved ones have had an experience at the hospital, or just have a view about the future of the hospital, now is the time to share it.”
Submissions to the inquiry are open until 20 May.