The ANMF has expressed its extreme disappointment and concern in the wake of the financial collapse of major private hospital provider Healthscope, particularly its impact on nurses and midwives and their delivery of care to people across Australian communities.
After Healthscope was placed into receivership today, Federal Secretary Annie Butler said the ANMF was reassured to learn from Healthscope that additional funding has been secured to ensure all of its 37 hospitals keep operating without impacts on staff or patients. Restructuring firm McGrathNicol, who have been appointed to sell the business, have been provided with a new $100 million funding package by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to support operations during the sale process.
However, the ANMF remains very concerned about the longer-term future for the group.
“For nurses and midwives working at Healthscope, this situation is obviously very difficult and worrying for them and our thoughts are with them. However, we have been assured that their jobs and their patients are secure at this time,” Ms Butler said.
“We are extremely concerned, but the ANMF is working with state and federal governments and all stakeholders to ensure that we are front and centre of discussions with potential buyers so we can ensure our members will be in safe hands.
“We have requested urgent briefings with the Receiver and with Healthscope Management and have been assured meetings will be arranged as a matter of priority.”
The financial collapse of Healthscope is a “shocking reminder” about the dangers of privatising healthcare services and that Americanised healthcare does not work in Australia, Ms Butler added.
“We will also be urging the Government to review the types of companies they allow to participate in the delivery of health services and prevent unethical and unscrupulous parties, which have no regard for patients or the health workforce, from entering the system.
“We can’t allow profits to be put before patient care. All Australians deserve access to timely, quality healthcare, which is what we get under Medicare.
The ANMF is supporting its members and advising any nurses and midwives working at Healthscope who are feeling anxious, stressed or need to talk, to contact the NMHPA at https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/ or 1800 001 060
The ANMF will continue to update members on the Healthscope situation.
