The private operators of Northern Beaches Hospital, Healthscope have offered to “return the public component of Northern Beaches Hospital to the State Government.”
Manly Observer today viewed documentation sent to staff that states: “Today, Healthscope has announced it has formally written to the NSW Health Minister offering to return the public component of Northern Beaches Hospital to the NSW Government.
“This follows growing clarity from the State Government that PPPs are no longer supported as a model for public healthcare — a position that has recently been legislated and amplified in the community.
“This offer is not a reflection on our team, or the quality of care delivered at NBH. On the contrary, recent data and accreditation results confirm the exceptional work happening across our hospital every day — and we thank you for it. Nothing changes today. Our public and private teams continue to operate as one hospital with the full support of Healthscope.”
Update: 1pm A statement has since been issued from the Health Minister Ryan Park which states the government 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.”
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey added:
“I note the owners of Healthscope are engaged in a market process potentially seeking to exit the business. 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.”
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Update 1:15pm Elouise and Danny Massa, who have been campaigning for a move to have the hospital publicly operated after their toddler died at the facility, provided the following statement to Manly Observer this afternoon:
“Danny and myself cannot 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.
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.
“There is a lot of detail that still needs to be looked at however we are confident that the Government is more than capable of handling these discussions keeping our Northern Beaches community at the forefront of their decision making.
“We trust that Healthscope will negotiate in good faith.”
Update 1.25pm Healthscope has formally issued the following statement:
Healthscope has confirmed to the New South Wales Government that it is willing to commence discussions about returning the public hospital at Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH) to the NSW public system, consistent with the project deed.
The NBH public hospital currently operates under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with the NSW Government, until 2038.
The NSW Government has recently introduced policy preventing the further use of PPPs in the health sector. Healthscope acknowledges that NBH continuing to operate as a PPP is no longer compatible with the Government’s objectives.
Under Healthscope’s direction, NBH has achieved national accreditation standards, and regularly performs above peer hospitals on a range of key performance measures.
Healthscope’s CEO Tino La Spina commented the proposed hand back offer is in no way a reflection on the dedication and commitment of the NBH team, who care for thousands of patients every year.
“NBH is a first-class facility, served by qualified, skilled nurses, doctors and staff, whose clinical performance has been acknowledged and commended by independent authorities. They have Healthscope’s absolute support for the work they continue to do, in often intense circumstances.
“However, we believe it is best for the patients, staff and the Northern Beaches community that it is returned to NSW Health, if that is the Government’s preferred outcome.
“As the State’s appointed operator, we recognise we must work in alignment with the Government’s objectives for the health system overall, rather than in conflict with them.
“The public pressure brought about by the change in policy re PPP structures has created uncertainty about the NBH future and this has put strain on NBH’s people and operations. In the current circumstances, we believe NBH will operate more effectively as part of the public hospital system and its future is assured.”
Manly Observer has sent questions to Healthscope asking whether it plans to sell the private operations of the hospital to another operator, and what issues may arise with sharing of equipment currently used across both public and private facilities.
