Private services to continue at Northern Beaches Hospital until June 2027

When NSW Health takes back operational management of Northern Beaches Hospital, private services will continue to be offered until 30 June 2027, the NSW Government has confirmed. With it anticipated that the hospital will transition into public hands by mid 2026, the NSW Government said that the arrangement is critical to minimise any large-scale and sudden changes to care delivery, which might otherwise increase risk to patient care.

“We know that is what the community, the patients and the clinicians want, and we are working towards this goal,” NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said.

The NSW Government also said that, during this interim period, it will continue to work with the community and clinicians to finalise and implement a long-term plan for private services, including investigating the opportunities of a co-located model, akin to the way many public hospitals across Sydney operate.

The entire 494-bed hospital will return to public ownership under the agreement for transition of the hospital. Also covered on the agreement is that clinical and support staff currently working at Northern Beaches Hospital have been offered jobs by NSW Health at the facility and staff entitlements to annual, long service and sick leave will transfer across from Healthscope to NSW Health.

In a separate statement, AMA (NSW) President Dr Kathryn Austin welcomed the announcement that private services will continue at Northern Beaches Hospital until June next year.

“AMA (NSW) worked closely with doctors and the NSW Government on this issue for several months and we acknowledge the significant efforts of Health Minister Ryan Park in achieving this outcome and his commitment to implementing a longer-term plan for private services at the hospital beyond June next year,” Austin said.

“We also note the NSW Government intends to move toward a co-located private model as part of longer-term planning and we will continue to advocate strongly to ensure any future arrangements strengthen clinical services.

“Private services at Northern Beaches Hospital are not an optional extra. They are integral to the hospital’s operating model and essential to maintaining stability, workforce retention and system capacity on the Northern Beaches.

“This is a clear demonstration that our sustained, evidence-based advocacy on behalf of doctors and patients delivers results,” Austin concluded.

David Swan has been appointed by NSW Health to provide independent expert advice on future private health opportunities at Northern Beaches Hospital. His recommendations are expected next month, the NSW Government said.

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