Northern Beaches Hospital Announcement
10 April 2025
Healthscope has confirmed to the New South Wales Government that it is willing to
commence discussions about returning the public hospital at Northern Beaches Hospital
(NBH) to the NSW public system, consistent with the project deed.
The NBH public hospital currently operates under a Public Private Partnership (PPP)
agreement with the NSW Government, until 2038.
The NSW Government has recently introduced policy preventing the further use of PPPs in
the health sector. Healthscope acknowledges that NBH continuing to operate as a PPP is no longer compatible with the Government’s objectives.
Under Healthscope’s direction, NBH has achieved national accreditation standards, and
regularly performs above peer hospitals on a range of key performance measures.
Healthscope’s CEO Tino La Spina commented 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
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For more information contact:
Jim Cooper, Healthscope: media@healthscope.com.au
Lachlan Johnston, Sodali: Lachlan.johnston@sodali.com
Samantha Philp, Sodali: Samantha.philp@sodali.com
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Background: Healthscope is Australia’s only national private healthcare provider, operating 38 hospitals across the country, and employing over 18,000 people. Healthscope offers world-class patient care, including medical and surgical services, mental health treatment and rehabilitation services.
