1 week Ago By Jack Gramenz
The private operator of a major public hospital wants out of the deal amid financial turmoil and the prominent death of a child. or signup to continue reading Healthscope's proposal to return Sydney's Northern Beaches Hospital to the public system comes amid financial troubles facing the Canadian-controlled firm. The 488-bed hospital and emergency department will continue operating amid discussions about its future, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park assured the community on Thursday.
"We have always made clear that we do not support public-private partnerships being imposed on our state's acute hospitals," he said in a statement. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey indicated Healthscope should not expect to walk away with a profit "after the way (it) has managed this partnership". "The government will engage with Healthscope management after questions of its ownership and whether it remains a going concern are resolved," he said.
The proposal comes amid an inquiry into the safety and quality of health services at the hospital. Premier Chris Minns announced in March the government would seek to outlaw any future similar partnerships, following advocacy from the parents of two-year-old Joe Massa. Joe died after waiting three hours in the emergency department in September.
A review into Joe's death found an IT system not used in government-operated public hospitals had failed to alert nurses and doctors to the boy's concerning heart rate. Healthscope, which operates 38 hospitals across the country, was due to operate Northern Beaches Hospital until 2038. The partnership at the hospital, which replaced two smaller public facilities in 2018, was set up under the former coalition government.
Healthscope has been contacted for comment. Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Weekdays Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.
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