Healthscope ready to support COVID-19 response
20 March 2020
The Healthscope private hospital group is working with Federal and State health authorities to support the public health response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Chief Executive Officer Steven Rubic said that Healthscope has offered its facilities to take on public elective surgery cases where needed, helping free up the public system to better implement their COVID-19 response plans.
”The COVID-19 outbreak and its resulting consequences are unprecedented in Australia,” Mr Rubic said.
“We have a world-class health care system, with a unique mix of public and private services. But it will be severely tested in coming months.
“Healthscope, and other private hospital operators, can play a vital role in supporting the public health response to the pandemic.” Mr Rubic acknowledged the commitment of Healthscope’s accredited medical practitioners to helping take the pressure off public hospital beds and resources.
“We have over 17,500 doctors and specialists working in our hospitals, alongside our own dedicated staff. I want to thank them for supporting our public health system at this difficult time.”
In line with advice from health authorities, Healthscope is taking appropriate precautions to protect patient and staff safety. This includes restricting patient visitors and visiting hours, and cancelling non-essential gatherings at hospitals.
“These measures are allowing us to continue performing vital patient procedures, including but not limited to obstetrics, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, interventional cardiology and general surgery.”
Mr Rubic also confirmed that Healthscope hospitals are continuing to perform planned and booked elective surgery.
“We have had some patients contact us, unsure if the COVID-19 outbreak was causing delays or cancellations to their planned or booked elective surgery procedures,” Mr Rubic said.
“Patients can rest assured that Healthscope hospitals are continuing to perform elective surgery, and there is no need for patients to consider postponing any planned procedures.”