Allied health staff at Northern Beaches Hospital are now able to access expanded training, and additional professional development and career pathway opportunities following the hospital's transition to public ownership yesterday.
The transition to public hands corrects one of the worst privatisation deals in NSW history, entered into by the former Liberal-National Government.
The Minns Government is committed to supporting the development of allied health professionals ensuring they can build their skills, grow their careers and continue delivering high-quality care to the Northern Beaches community.
Allied health staff will now have access to regular training and professional development through the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) Allied Health Directorate, supporting skills and capacity building to deliver high-quality care and improve outcomes for patients.
Staff are now also able to participate in the NSLHD's Allied Health Research Education Series, reflecting the district's strong commitment to building research capability and output across allied health disciplines.
The program is designed to meet the research needs of all allied health staff by building confidence and capability among entry-level clinicians, supporting those undertaking higher degrees, and mentoring and developing early to mid-career clinician-researchers.
Ahead of the transition, Northern Beaches Hospital allied health teams took part in a range of targeted training programs within NSLHD, including allied health reflective supervision, organ and tissue donation training, and specialised training series tailored for allied health assistants.
Allied health departments also benefit from access to the Clinconnect online platform to support and coordinate student placements, helping to grow the future workforce across all disciplines.
Staff are now connected into broader professional networks through the NSLHD Allied Health Heads of Department group, with opportunities to take on leadership roles within NSLHD and at a statewide level.
Recognition and professional engagement will also be strengthened through the district's annual Allied Health Awards and the statewide NSW Health Allied Health Awards, and participation in other district-wide activities celebrating discipline-specific international days.
The Minns Government is rebuilding an engaged and supported health workforce following wage freezes under the Liberals and Nationals, including by:
- Abolishing the wages cap; and
- Recruiting 1,512 FTE more allied health workers since being elected in March 2023
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"As allied health staff at NBH join the NSW public health system, they will now have access to a broader range of training, development and career opportunities that support them at every stage of their professional journey.
"This is about giving allied health professionals the support, structure, and opportunities they need to thrive. By investing in their development, we are strengthening the workforce and ensuring patients continue to receive safe, high-quality care.
"The Coalition left the Northern Beaches community and the staff at Northern Beaches Hospital saddled with one of the worst privatisation deals in NSW history. The Minns Government is fixing that, with the hospital now back in public hands."
"I want to acknowledge the work of the Health Services Union, who have advocated for a long time to bring the hospital to public ownership."
