Following the NSW Government’s recent policy preventing the further use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the health sector, Healthscope has confirmed its willingness to commence discussions around returning public hospital Northern Beaches Hospital to the NSW public system, “consistent with the project deed”. Currently operating under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with the NSW Government (until 2038), Healthscope acknowledged that NBH continuing to operate as a PPP is no longer compatible with the state government’s objectives.
“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,” Healthscope CEO Tino La Spina said. “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.”
La Spina commented that 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 — the Healthscope announcement included the statement that, under Healthscope’s direction, NBH has achieved national accreditation standards and regularly performs above peer hospitals on a range of key performance measures.
“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,” La Spina said. “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.”
