Commitment to keep Healthscope hospitals operating is reassuring, AMA says
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) acknowledges the news that the parent entities of one of Australia’s largest private hospital owners Healthscope have gone into receivership.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the AMA has been monitoring the uncertain situation in relation to Healthscope for several months and has been in constant liaison with the federal minister’s office and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
“The Healthscope network of hospitals is a key part of private healthcare delivery in Australia,” Dr McMullen said.
“We welcome the commitments given as part of today’s announcement that the operation of Healthscope’s hospitals will continue as normal and that additional funding has been provided to support their operation.
“We also welcome the receiver’s stated intention to transition all hospitals to new ownership, with no plans for hospital closures or redundancies.
“The constant speculation in the media about the future of Healthscope has fuelled significant uncertainty, but the details of today’s announcement show a clear commitment to the continued operations of the Healthscope hospitals and patients can continue to schedule their procedures and other treatments with confidence.
“This is good news for patients, as well as the doctors, health professionals and staff working in Healthscope hospitals.”
Dr McMullen said the federal government had been engaging with Healthscope, and with the decision to appoint receivers, the AMA expects the government to play a strong role in helping to ensure this process goes well and Healthscope’s network of hospitals is maintained.
“We also welcome the commitment by the receivers to engage constructively with all key stakeholders,” Dr McMullen said.
“The AMA is ready to work with the receivers as part of ensuring the uninterrupted operation of Healthscope hospitals.
“Private health is an essential part of Australia’s healthcare system and the situation that has emerged with respect to Healthscope further reinforces the need to adopt the AMA’s proposal for an independent Private Health System Authority giving much better oversight of the sector.”
