Public Management Restores Accountability
Northern Beaches Hospital has returned to public operation, concluding a controversial public-private partnership. This change has been welcomed by the medical community, with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) highlighting potential improvements for patient care.n
ASMOF NSW President Dr Nicholas Spooner emphasised that this transition addresses long-standing issues impacting patient care and the medical workforce. He called the change a correction of a failed experiment and an opportunity to resolve staffing and resource challenges. “This marks the end of a failed experiment and the return of this hospital to where it belongs, in public hands,” said Dr Spooner. “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.”n
Role of Doctors and Communityn
ASMOF members have played a critical role in maintaining high-quality care at Northern Beaches Hospital since its opening in 2018, despite challenges such as chronic understaffing and resource failures. Dr Spooner praised their dedication and professionalism during these difficult periods. “Since 2018, our members have continued to deliver high-quality care despite chronic understaffing, unsafe hours, bed block and repeated resource failures,” Dr Spooner said. “They have carried this hospital through some of its most difficult periods.”n
The transition was also influenced by the advocacy of Elouise and Danny Massa, who turned personal tragedy into a campaign for lasting reform. Their efforts were instrumental in delivering meaningful change that will benefit thousands of families. Dr Spooner stated that the transition followed years of sustained advocacy by doctors, unions, and the community, alongside the extraordinary efforts of the Massa family.n
Dr Spooner warned against future privatisation of hospitals, saying that the Northern Beaches Hospital case should serve as a warning against putting corporate interests ahead of patient safety. ASMOF has consistently opposed similar proposals across New South Wales. The Northern Beaches Hospital experience highlights the risks associated with privatisation. “Privatisation of acute hospital care does not work, and it must never be repeated,” Dr Spooner cautioned.n
Over 1,800 staff will transition into NSW Health, with workforce stability set as the immediate priority. Safe staffing levels, strong clinical governance, and clinician input will guide the rebuilding of the hospital’s operations. The transition to public management is expected to restore accountability, transparency, and proper clinical governance. However, Dr Spooner warned that this change alone will not resolve the deeper workforce issues, highlighting the need for continued focus on these areas for long-term improvements.
