May 1 - 31, 2026: Issue 654

 

Northern Beaches Hospital officially transitions to public hands: Nurses and midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital to Have expanded opportunities in public health system

Photo of NB Hospital supplied
On Wednesday April 29 2026 the Minns Labor Government finalised the transition of the Northern Beaches Hospital to the public health system, bringing the facility into public hands and correcting one of the worst privatisation mistakes in NSW history.


The deal, entered into by the former Coalition government, left the Northern Beaches community saddled with a model that prioritised private profits over patient care, the incumbent government states.

Following almost eight years of private ownership, Northern Beaches Hospital is now fully operated as a public hospital and part of NSW Health.

An operational command centre has been set up at the hospital to support the transition and the first days of the handover.

The Minns Government first announced the Northern Beaches Hospital Taskforce in April 2025, to 'investigate the future of the disastrous public private partnership left behind by the Liberals and Nationals'.

This followed the tragic death of baby Joe Massa at the Northern Beaches Hospital.

''Elouise and Danny Massa, the parents of two-year-old Joe Massa, have been tireless advocates for the facility being brought into public hands.'' the government said in a released statement

Elouise and Danny Massa speaking at the 'The Future of Northern Beaches Hospital' Forum held Wednesday, 14 May, 2025 at the Dee Why RSL. Photo: Michael Mannington OAM, Community Photography

''Their efforts have led to one of the most significant moments in NSW Health history with the hospital now entering the public system, as well as the passing of Joe’s Law, a legal commitment by the NSW Government to protect our acute public hospitals from any future Liberal privatisation.

''The Minns Labor Government continues to repair the damage caused by the former Coalition Government’s failed privatisation agenda, which also included the attempted privatisation of hospitals at Maitland, Wyong, Goulburn, Shellharbour and Bowral.

The Minns Government would like to thank Northern Beaches Hospital staff and the transition team for their work throughout the transition of the facility.''

As part of the transition, more than 1,800 Northern Beaches Hospital staff - including nurses, midwives, doctors, allied health professionals and support staff – have now joined the NSW Health team.''

Following the transition of the hospital to public ownership, the community can be assured they will continue to have access to private services until 30 June 2027, while the Government continues to work with the community and clinicians to finalise and implement a long-term plan for private services.''

''As well as bringing the hospital back into public hands the Minns Labor Government is establishing the State’s first High Volume Planned Surgery Centre at Northern Beaches Hospital, expanding the hospital’s role and helping reduce surgery wait times across NSW.''

Premier of New South Wales, the Hon. Chris Minns, stated:

“Bringing this hospital back into public hands means the people of the Northern Beaches can have confidence their hospital is being run in the public interest.

“I want to thank Elouise and Danny Massa. Nothing can undo what they’ve been through, but their courage in pushing for change means other families won’t have to experience the same heartbreak.

“This will also have a positive impact on the broader NSW Health system when the surgical centre is up and running absorbing some of the pressure from the rest of system.”

NSW Treasurer, the Hon Daniel Mookhey, said:

“This is a milestone we never should’ve had to mark. This hospital should have been publicly run from the day it opened.

“We have listened to patients, staff and the wider community in righting this wrong.

“Shockingly, this is the sort of failed privatisation agenda the Liberals and Nationals are refusing to rule out, less than a year from the next election.”

Minister for Health, the Hon. Ryan Park, said:

“This is a historic day for the people of the Northern Beaches and for the NSW public health system.

“The Minns Government has, in just over twelve months, reversed one of the worst privatisation failures our state has ever seen.

“We have worked with an urgency and speed to provide certainty for the community, patients and staff. We thank the staff for their hard work and cooperation in the lead up to the transition.

“I want to thank and acknowledge Elouise and Danny Massa, whose unwavering advocacy, strength, and courage in the wake of tragedy has left a lasting legacy.

“I want to reassure the community, thanks to Joe’s Law, our acute public hospitals are protected from future Liberal privatisation.”

Private services 'integral': AMA NSW President

AMA (NSW) President Dr. Kathryn Austin, in an issued statement, said:

''AMA (NSW) acknowledges the transition of Northern Beaches Hospital to full public operation today. This is a significant change for the doctors, nurses, allied health staff and the community of northern beaches.

At the centre of this hospital are its people. The professionalism, dedication and clinical expertise of doctors, nurses and healthcare staff have ensured the continued delivery of high-quality care to the community, even through a period of uncertainty and change.''

''AMA (NSW) also acknowledges the efforts of Health Minister Ryan Park in managing a complex transition and in recognising the value of private consultant-led care, including the commitment to continue private services through to June 2027.'' Dr. Austin said

''AMA (NSW) worked extensively with doctors, the Minister and local MPs over many months to advocate for the retention of private services and to ensure clinicians have a voice throughout this transition.

Private services at Northern Beaches Hospital are not an optional extra. They are integral to the hospital’s operating model and essential to maintaining stability, workforce retention and system capacity on the northern beaches.''

''The interim arrangements provide important short-term certainty for patients and clinicians, particularly given more than 20,000 private surgeries are performed at the hospital each year.

As the transition progresses, further clarity will be important around how services will operate in practice and the longer-term model for private services. Doctors are continuing to seek guidance on patient flow, operating lists, staffing and continuity of care, particularly as future patient bookings are being scheduled.''

''This is a critical period for the hospital and the community it serves. It is essential that the transition is supported by clear communication, strong clinical governance and a detailed operational framework to ensure patients do not experience delays or disruption to their care.

AMA (NSW) will continue to work constructively with the NSW Government, the LHD and NSW Health,  to ensure this transition strengthens clinical services, protects patient choice and delivers the best possible outcomes for patients.''

'Profits Before People Era Ends': MP for Pittwater 

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby has today welcomed the official transition of Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH) from financially collapsed private operator Healthscope to NSW Health, marking the end of a privatisation model that put profits before people.

Under NSW Health, the hospital will benefit from integrated risk management systems, mandated safe staffing levels, and closer coordination with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and community health services.

"Today is a fresh start and turning point for community confidence in healthcare on the Northern Beaches. Walking through the wards this morning, and in recent meetings attended by both public and private doctors and nurses, the sense of optimism is real. The fact over 96 per cent of nearly 2,000 staff have chosen to stay, is a testament to their dedication to this.” Ms Scruby said.

“Being in the thick of supporting private doctors and pushing for private services to be retained has given me a real appreciation of how much work has gone into navigating this transition by Minister Park and the Local Health District.”

Ms Scruby acknowledged that many doctors have also publicly expressed their gratitude and added that no hospital is perfect.  This is day one of our new public hospital, with a long-term transition plan.

“The NSW Government has publicly released the Clinical Services Plan and Model which, although private services are continuing, sees a significant cut to private cranial services and private psychiatry beds will become public mental health beds. However, there are also significant expansions in critical areas like stroke treatment, spinal, and cardiology services and consultation and refinement is ongoing.”

Ms Scruby expressed disappointment in ‘rage-bait’ misinformation being circulated regarding the official status of the hospital and confirmed it remains a Level 5 hospital with some Level 6 services.

“As a community we are grateful that when our troubled hospital’s operators went into financial collapse and it was being sold, the NSW government stepped in to buy the hospital and also legislate to make sure NSW does not have any future public private partnerships for acute healthcare. We also welcome the news that private hospital services are being retained following an extra-ordinary exemption from the federal government and for all the planned service expansions. We are realistic that with a major takeover like this, there will be changes, benefits and some losses as we transition to a new model.”

The MP for Pittwater committed to continuing to speak up for the best healthcare services for residents and stated she will continue to question and hold the government to account.

"As the Member for Pittwater, the lived experience of my constituents and those on the frontline, together with data, will be the ultimate measure of success. I encourage residents to share their feedback, positive or otherwise with my office, as we navigate this new chapter.” Ms Scruby concluded.

The long-term model for private care remains under consultation, with an operator-run model to be made in the future, the statement from the MP for Pittwater reads. 

The Clinical Services Model and long-term Clinical Services Plan, endorsed by the Medical Advisory Committee and Medical Staff Council, are available for public review online.

NBH Interim Clinical Service Model - 29 April 2026 to 30 June 2027 final

Northern Beaches Hospital - Clinical Services Plan 2024–2029 Addendum

Nurses and midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital to receive expanded opportunities in public health system

On Friday May 1 the NSW Government announced Nurses and midwives at Northern Beaches Hospital will be able to access additional career development opportunities now that the hospital has transitioned into the public system.

The former Liberal-National Government privatised Northern Beaches Hospital and planned to privatise five other hospitals across New South Wales.

The Minns Labor Government has undertaken significant work to bring Northern Beaches Hospital back into public hands as well as protect the state’s acute public hospitals from future Coalition privatisation.

The NSW Government is committed to providing nurses the support they need at every stage of their careers, which will strengthen the future of healthcare delivery across the area.

A range of specialty development programs in critical care, aged care, neonatal intensive care, acute care and palliative care are now available, ensuring nurses can gain expertise relevant to their field, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Nurses now also have access to professional development days, which provide opportunities for them to connect, share knowledge and build expertise.

Early career nurses will benefit from leadership programs, structured mentorship, clinical supervision, coaching and teaching across Northern Sydney Local Health District.

Additional funding to support nursing and midwifery-led projects, as well as scholarship opportunities through Northern Sydney Local Health District and NSW Health are also be available.

Research will be supported through access to the NSLHD Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, which provides masterclasses in research development, statistics, writing and publication.

Professional recognition is a key feature of the NSW public health system, including opportunities to secure funding to attend professional conferences, and entry into the prestigious Mary Chiarella Research Medal — the only award of its kind in NSW.

In addition, nurses and midwives now have access to a range of internal conferences and showcases, including the Person-Centred Care Showcase, Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, and specialty-specific development days for areas such as neonatal and renal nursing.

Positive resolution to tax treatment issue

The government announced there has also been a positive resolution to the issue of tax treatment of transferred annual leave. The Commissioner of Taxation has approved a variation which will allow staff to transfer unused annual leave balances to NSW Health without tax being withheld at the point of transfer and then again when the annual leave is used. The arrangement ensures staff are not financially disadvantaged when NBH transfers to public ownership. This decision removes a key staff concern associated with transferring leave balances when they transition to NSW Health. Supporting staff and ensuring the best patient outcomes is a top priority for the Minns Government as the hospital transitions into public hands.

'Supporting staff and ensuring the best patient outcomes is a top priority for the Minns Government as the hospital transitions into public hands.' the government said

The Minns Government states it is rebuilding an engaged and supported nursing workforce following wage freezes under the Liberals and Nationals, including by:

  • Abolishing the wages cap;
  • Delivering the largest pay increase for nurses in more than two decades and the largest pay rise ever for the lowest paid nurses in NSW;
  • Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack

Minister for Health, the Hon. Ryan Park, stated on Friday:

“As these nurses join the NSW public health system, they now have access to professional development, education and support that reflects the value we place on their skills and dedication.

“This is about creating clear pathways for nurses and midwives to grow their healthcare careers, whether that’s stepping into leadership, specialising in a clinical field, or contributing to innovation and research.

“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 NSW Nurses and Midwives Association for their long-time advocacy to bring the hospital into public ownership.

2026 Reports:

Patients, families, carers encouraged to Raise It

March 26, 2026: NSW Minster for Health
Patients, families and carers in public hospitals and health services across NSW are being encouraged to “Raise It” if they are worried their, or their loved one’s condition is getting worse.

Raise It recognises patients, carers and families know themselves and their loved ones best and may notice small changes or have a sense that something is not right. By being empowered to raise these concerns about a worsening condition, they can work in partnership with healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes of care.

As part of the new Raise It program, a single, statewide number has been implemented, ensuring a person in any public hospital in NSW can reach out for further help and a senior health worker will respond to their concerns.

Raise It follows three clear steps to get help fast in a public hospital or health service:
  1. Talk - Start by talking to a nurse or doctor about your concerns.
  2. Ask - Still concerned? Ask the nurse in charge for a Clinical Review.
  3. Call - If you are still worried, call the Raise It line on 1800 777 333. A senior health worker will listen to your concerns and respond. 
The new campaign being launched today by NSW Health marks a significant overhaul of the previous REACH (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help) program, which was launched in 2013 to help people escalate concerns of clinical deterioration.

A review of REACH was initiated following the tragic death of Joe Massa at Northern Beaches Hospital in 2024.

At the request of the Minister for Health and the NSW Health Secretary, the Clinical Excellence Commission hosted a Roundtable on 30 April 2025 to bring together consumers, key stakeholders and health professionals to identify opportunities to strengthen patient, family and carer escalation processes.

The Raise It program is being backed by an awareness campaign based on consumer research which told us that patients and families need clearer, simpler information about how to raise their concerns in hospitals.

Raise It information is available in public hospitals and health services across NSW, while the program will also be promoted to the broader community. Information will be translated into 16 languages to support culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and information campaigns will also be provided in Aboriginal communities across NSW.

This initiative forms part of a broader government response following the tragic death of Joe Massa, including:
  • enacting legislation to protect acute public hospitals from privatisation by future Coalition governments;
  • returning Northern Beaches Hospital to public hands;
  • a review of the systems and process surrounding paediatric care at Northern Beaches Hospital led by the Clinical Excellence Commission; and
  • requesting a coronial inquest into the death of Joe Massa.
Minister for Health, the Hon Ryan Park, said:

“Because patients and families often recognise early changes first, trusting your instincts when you or someone you love comes into hospital is critical.

“You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. You might notice small changes. You might feel something just isn’t right.  

“You know yourself or your loved one best. If you’re concerned, Raise It. NSW Health staff are here for you, will listen to you, and make sure you get the care you or your loved one needs.

“I extend my sincere thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly over the past year to ensure the Raise It program is what our community needs it to be, but I want to particularly thank the Massa, Day and White families for their incredible advocacy and bravery.”

NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM said:

“Staff across the NSW public health system work incredibly hard to deliver safe, high-quality care for patients and we need to ensure the right systems are in place that support our healthcare professionals.

“Raise It strengthens their ability to provide the very best care to their patients, enabling them to quickly respond to concerns of clinical deterioration.

“Fundamentally, the program is about healthcare professionals working in partnership with patients, their families and carers to ensure we get the very best outcomes of care, which is what we all want.

“By working together, we can strengthen patient safety and provide an environment where everyone is encouraged and empowered to raise concerns with us.”

2025 Reports:

Previously (a Selection of - more past reports listed in past features page)