NBCA welcomes continuation of private services at Northern Beaches Hospital, says sustained advocacy has delivered result
NBCA welcomes continuation of private services at Northern Beaches Hospital, says sustained advocacy has delivered result
Northern Beaches, NSW — The Northern Beaches Clinicians Alliance (NBCA) has welcomed confirmation from the NSW Government that private services will continue at Northern Beaches Hospital until at least June 2027, describing the announcement as an important and hard-won step in protecting local healthcare.
The Alliance said the decision reflects what it has consistently argued since the beginning of its campaign, that maintaining private services alongside public care is essential to preserving access, specialist capability and system stability on the Northern Beaches.
“From the outset, we have been clear that removing or destabilising private services would weaken the hospital’s overall capacity,” said Dr David Dickison, spokesperson for the Northern Beaches Clinicians Alliance.
“Today’s announcement acknowledges that the co-located model plays a critical role in keeping care local.”
A position we have not wavered from
When the transition of Northern Beaches Hospital to public operation was first announced, NBCA warned that uncertainty around private services risked workforce instability, reduced specialist availability and increased pressure on surrounding hospitals.
Over many months, the Alliance:
Engaged directly with government and local representatives
Presented performance data and system modelling
Raised concerns publicly and consistently
Maintained pressure for clarity around the co-located model
“We have not shifted our position because the evidence has not changed,” Dr Dickison said.
“Public and private services working together is what enables this hospital to function at the level our community expects.”
“This outcome reflects sustained advocacy by clinicians who understand how the system actually works,” he said.
Why private services matter
Northern Beaches Hospital operates as a co-located public and private facility. That model:
Absorbs demand that would otherwise extend public waiting lists
Retains specialist clinicians who practise across both systems
Sustains complex and time-critical services locally
Without private capacity, patients would not stop needing care, they would face longer waits, longer travel times and greater strain on neighbouring hospitals.
“Private services are not an optional extra, they are part of the infrastructure that supports public care,” Dr Dickison said.
“If that balance is disrupted, it is patients who feel the impact.”
Federal involvement signals importance
NBCA said the Commonwealth’s decision to grant an exemption enabling private services to continue within a publicly operated hospital reflects the seriousness of the issue and the importance of maintaining stability at Northern Beaches Hospital.
“The fact that the Federal Government has been involved in enabling this outcome shows how important this hospital is to our region,” Dr Dickison said.
“It reflects recognition that continuity of private services is essential to maintaining overall capability.”
The Alliance said the Commonwealth’s involvement reinforces the importance of preserving the co-located model in the interests of patients and system stability.
“When different levels of government are working to ensure private services can continue, it reinforces what we have been saying from the beginning, that this model works and it needs to be protected,” Dr Dickison said.
Positive progress, but work continues
NBCA said the confirmation provides welcome short-term certainty for clinicians and patients, but cautioned that the commitment currently extends only to June 2027 and includes further review of the long-term model.
“This is a positive and important step forward,” Dr Dickison said.
“But protecting comprehensive care on the Northern Beaches requires long-term certainty, not interim reassurance.”
The Alliance said it will now focus on:
Securing enduring commitment to the co-located model
Ensuring specialist services remain viable
Protecting workforce stability throughout the transition
Advocating for transparency around the Clinical Services Plan
“Our responsibility does not end with today’s announcement,” Dr Dickison said.
“This is the beginning of the next stage of ensuring that Northern Beaches residents retain access to the full range of services they rely on.”
Northern Beaches Hospital delivers world-class care. Let’s protect it.
