The private company behind Sydney’s Northern Beaches Hospital has proposed the hospital be returned to the public health system.
The NSW government has said today that it had been notified by the owners of Healthscope that they are looking to have the hospital returned into the public health system.
”We have always made clear that we do not support public-private partnerships being imposed on our state’s acute hospitals,” Health Minister Ryan Park said.
“We will carefully consider any proposal regarding Northern Beaches Hospital.
“We can assure the community that Northern Beaches Hospital will continue to operate without interruption during any discussions.”
The operation of the hospital came under intense scrutiny following the death of two-year-old Joe Massa, whose parents raised concerns over its operation.
Massa died on September 14, 2024, and his parents Elouise and Danny Massa have since demanded a change to the hospital’s emergency department procedures.
Mr and Mrs Massa said in a statement today that they “can’t believe how quickly” change has occurred.
“If this offer means an end to Public Private Partnership (PPP) at Northern Beaches Hospital, then it can only be a good thing,” the statement reads.
“PPP’s in healthcare should never have been allowed to happen.
“The announcement that Healthscope wants to hand the Northern Beaches hospital to the NSW Government is a big win for the Northern Beaches community.
“This is the best possible outcome for the local community and sends a strong message from healthcare providers that there is no place to mix profit with public healthcare in NSW and across Australia.”
The NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the government “will be watching” the implications of the hospital’s sale.
”After the way Healthscope has managed this partnership, it should not expect to walk away from the Northern Beaches Hospital with a profit,” he said.
“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.”
