ASMOF welcomes the decision to return Northern Beaches Hospital to public control. This outcome reflects years of consistent advocacy by doctors who have worked tirelessly to highlight the problems of the existing model and the need for a strong public health presence on the Northern Beaches.
This transition represents a critical step forward in addressing the long-standing issues of understaffing, overwork and exhaustion that have impacted both doctor wellbeing and patient care.
It is our sincere hope that the transfer of Northern Beaches Hospital to full public control results in the rebuilding of a workplace that is safe, sustainable and properly supported.
The people of the Northern Beaches deserve the certainty that comes with a publicly managed health service. One that prioritises patient care, values its workforce and critically, is accountable to the community it serves.
We thank Minister Ryan Park and the NSW Government for taking this important step to restore public management and confidence in this vital health service.
But it is essential that the lessons of this experience are not lost. Providing quality healthcare is a core responsibility of the government, and it cannot be outsourced.
The Northern Beaches experience shows that when this duty is handed to private operators, it's patients and their loved ones who suffer.
The people of NSW expect their government to lead, invest and deliver in public health, not delegate it to private providers who only care about profits. This transition must mark a renewed commitment to properly funded, publicly delivered healthcare across our state.
While this transition at Northern Beaches Hospital is welcome, this is not the end of our advocacy. ASMOF will continue to work closely with NSW Health to ensure that the process delivers fair conditions for staff and the high-quality care patients deserve.
This is an opportunity to move forward, to learn from the shortcomings of the past, and to build a stronger, safer and more sustainable future for the Northern Beaches community and indeed, across the NSW health system.
