Calvary confirms some services across two hospitals "will not be offered"

In the context of its proposed acquisition of Newcastle Private Hospital and Hunter Valley Private Hospital, on 5 November, Calvary Health Care confirmed that “some services currently available at the two hospitals will not be offered by Calvary”.

“These include in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies, voluntary assisted dying (while complying with all relevant legislative obligations), elective terminations of pregnancy, and gender reassignment procedures,” Calvary said in a statement.

“Sterilisation and contraceptive procedures are not offered where fertility prevention is their sole purpose. Where Calvary is unable to offer a particular service, admitted patients will continue to receive all other care and support.”

Saying that the acquisitions will provide greater stability for the hospitals, their employees and the communities they serve, Calvary said: “We expect most services to continue. As a Catholic healthcare organisation, Calvary’s approach to care is guided by the Code of Ethical Standards for Catholic Health and Aged Care Services in Australia.”

In the same statement, Calvary acknowledged “concerns and uncertainty” within the community regarding the proposed acquisition, adding that it is “aware this has created questions for patients, clinicians, staff and the broader community”.

“We recognise that changes to some services will have implications for clinicians and the patients they care for,” Calvary Health Care CEO Damien Bruce said. “We are having active discussions with local clinicians to understand those impacts and are committed to working with relevant healthcare providers to explore appropriate pathways for patients.”

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