The NSW Government announced on 10 April that it was notified of a Healthscope proposal to return Northern Beaches Hospital to the NSW public system.
“I note the owners of Healthscope are engaged in a market process potentially seeking to exit the business,” said Treasurer Daniel Mookhey. “After the way Healthscope has managed this partnership, it should not expect to walk away from the Northern Beaches Hospital with a profit.
“The NSW Government will be watching to ensure that no one is trying to make a windfall gain at the expense of the people of NSW. The Government will engage with Healthscope management after questions of its ownership and whether it remains a going concern are resolved,” said Mr Mookhey.
“We have always made it clear that we do not support public-private partnerships being imposed on our state’s acute hospitals,” said Minister for Health Ryan Park. “We will carefully consider any proposal regarding Northern Beaches Hospital.”
Independent Wakehurst MP Michael Regan welcomed news of the negotiations but urged caution that taxpayers not be unduly burdened by Healthscope’s financial woes.
“I don’t want to see Healthscope let off the hook or seek to invoke clauses to maximise a financial return, with NSW taxpayers footing the bill,” Mr Regan stated.
“The NSW Auditor General’s report is imminent, and they must remain accountable. Healthscope has serious legal and moral obligations to our community, not just to deliver profits to shareholders.”
Mr Regan also acknowledged the tireless advocacy of community members, including Elouise and Danny Massa, whose personal tragedy became a powerful call to action.
“This progress wouldn’t be happening without the strength and determination of local families and community advocates who stood up and said, ‘enough is enough.’ I thank them for continuing to fight for better public healthcare for everyone on the Northern Beaches,” said Mr Regan.
Mr Regan urged the community to be loud about their experiences of the Hospital.
“There is still a huge opportunity to have your voices heard by putting in a submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Northern Beaches Hospital. Submissions are being taken until the 20th of May,” he said.
Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby warned that this is the time for action, not complacency.
“… 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,” said Ms Scruby.
