Doctors welcome the transition of Northern Beaches Hospital into public hands
ASMOF NSW - The Doctors' Union
ASMOF – The Doctors Union has welcomed the return of Northern Beaches Hospital to public operation, marking the end of a failed public-private partnership and a major step forward for patients, doctors and the community.
ASMOF NSW President Dr Nicholas Spooner said the transition corrected a long-standing failure and created an opportunity to begin addressing serious issues that have impacted patient care and the medical workforce.
“This marks the end of a failed experiment and the return of this hospital to where it belongs, in public hands.
“It is an important moment for patients, doctors and the community, and a chance to start fixing the staffing shortages, workload pressures and resource gaps that have compromised care at Norther Beaches Hospital for years.”
Dr Spooner said ASMOF members had played a critical role in sustaining the hospital under extremely difficult conditions since it opened.
“Since 2018, our members have continued to deliver high-quality care despite chronic understaffing, unsafe hours, bed block and repeated resource failures.
“They have carried this hospital through some of its most difficult periods, and this outcome reflects their professionalism, persistence and commitment to patient care.
“I thank them for their dedication.”
Dr Spooner said the transition followed years of sustained advocacy by doctors, Unions and the community, alongside the extraordinary efforts of Elouise and Danny Massa.
“Elouise and Danny Massa have shown remarkable strength in turning personal tragedy into lasting reform.
“Their advocacy has helped deliver meaningful change that will improve care for thousands of families into the future.”
Dr Spooner said the Northern Beaches Hospital experience must serve as a clear warning against privatisation.
“This was a worst-case example of what happens when corporate interests are placed ahead of safe patient care.
“Privatisation of acute hospital care does not work, and it must never be repeated.”
He said ASMOF had consistently opposed similar proposals across NSW, helping to stop the privatisation of hospitals including Wyong, Goulburn, Shellharbour, Bowral and Maitland.
“Joe’s Law now establishes a clear principle that healthcare is a public service, not a business, but our Union will continue to oppose the privatisation of public hospitals in all its forms.”
Dr Spooner said the shift to public management restored accountability, transparency and proper clinical governance, but warned the transition alone would not resolve deeper workforce issues.
“This is not the finish line. It is the start of rebuilding a safe, properly functioning public hospital.
“More than 1,800 staff are transitioning into NSW Health, and workforce stability must be the immediate priority.
“Safe staffing levels, strong clinical governance and genuine clinician input must guide every step of this process.”
Dr Spooner said many of the challenges at Northern Beaches Hospital reflected broader systemic pressures across the health system.
“Our members are still dealing with the impact of years of fragmentation, inefficient patient pathways and rising system strain.
“Fixing this will take sustained investment and real engagement with clinicians.”
Dr Spooner said ASMOF would continue to hold the government to account, ensuring the transition delivers for both patients and the workforce.
“This decision gives us the opportunity to rebuild trust and restore services, but it will require ongoing commitment to get it right.”
Contact details:
Darren Rodrigo 0414 783 405