JOHN Hunter Hospital staff have staged a lunchtime rally in support of colleagues, who are calling on the government to abandon plans for a not-for-profit partner for the new Maitland Hospital.
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Members of various health unions gathered on Tuesday to raise concerns about the delivery of services in the proposed new facility at Metford, which is earmarked to be built and operated by a not-for-profit provider.
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association organiser Emily Baldwin said the matter was “very close to the hearts” of John Hunter staff. “A not-for-profit or a public-private partnership (PPP) is not going to meet the needs of Maitland. The community feels very strongly about needing a public hospital and the rates of private health insurance are really low. They need to have some level of access to it.”
The government has repeatedly said the new hospital would provide free healthcare to public patients.
Labor and the unions said they were also concerned about patient care, staffing levels and conditions, availability of services, accountability and doctor training under the new provider.
“Employees who transfer from one hospital to another are not sure if the same award conditions will be in place,” Ms Baldwin said. “They’ve been guaranteed for two years but then it’s another game. Our members are most concerned about providing the same level of care to the community.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard told Fairfax Media there would be a “period of ongoing employment conditions, but at some point the not-for-profit provider would be looking to negotiate individually with medical and allied health staff who choose to join.” “The government will do everything it can to make sure staff are well looked after.”
He said the government had committed $450 million to the project and offered a “gilt-edged 18 carat gold guarantee it will be built”, irrespective of the model.
“The question is whether or not we can add value by having a not-for-profit and public partnership and that is still very much under consideration,” he said. “I’m aware some in the community have issues and concerns about a not-for-profit partnership but on balance, the government believe this is the right way to go.”
Mr Hazzard said the government was canvassing interest from providers and expected to have a shortlist next month. He said service preparation had already started on the site.
“If the level of interest is such that we can get a provider that does provide more for the community than we could do with the budget we have, then it will be very much in play.”
Fairfax Media reported last month the government has overturned plans for a PPP at four out of five hospitals stamped last year for private sector involvement.
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
