The New South Wales Government has chosen a private contractor to build and run a long-awaited Sydney hospital, but the nurses’ union fears profits will be put before patients.
Premier Mike Baird announced Healthscope would build and run the Northern Beaches Hospital, with construction to begin early next year and the first patients to be treated in 2018.
The nine-storey hospital, at Frenchs Forest, will house 488 beds, an emergency department for 50 patients, 14 operating theatres, six surgical suites and an inpatient mental health unit.
The State Government will pay Healthscope to treat public patients alongside private patients.
“I suspect the patients won’t know who’s who because it’ll be one hospital for both private and public patients,” Health Minister Jillian Skinner said.
The arrangement has angered the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association.
General secretary Brett Holmes said he feared it would lead to a situation “where shareholders’ needs come before those of the community”.
He was also concerned about staff pay and workplace conditions.
The Northern Beaches Hospital will replace the Manly and Mona Vale hospitals, whose staff will be offered jobs with Healthscope, but their existing conditions will only be guaranteed for two years.
“Local nurses and midwives remain in the dark about their future working conditions and entitlements, with little opportunity to negotiate as contract talks between the Baird Government and Healthscope continue behind closed doors,” Mr Holmes said.
The new hospital will employ 1,300 staff – 400 more than are presently working at Manly and Mona Vale, Ms Skinner said.
She said she expected the staff would jump at the chance to work at the new hospital.
“You have a look at the difference between the pay and conditions between the private and public [sectors] now, there’s not much difference,” Ms Skinner said.
“I don’t think you’ll find that there’s any downside for the staff who are going to be offered jobs here, who will take them up, and we’ve said if there’s any staff that have an objection for any reason, philosophical or otherwise, we will offer them jobs in the public system.”
Ms Skinner said Healthscope would be required to meet stringent benchmarks, but when asked what action the Government could take if those benchmarks were not met, she said: “We’ll see at the time. Let’s not spoil a joyous day.”
The hospital’s construction will cost $1 billion, including $400 million for road upgrades.