A significant amendment to the Health Services Bill is set to be introduced by Health Minister Ryan Park, aimed at prohibiting all future public-private hospital collaborations in acute settings. This move is designed to maintain public hospitals under government oversight and safeguard them against potential privatisation.
The impetus for this legislative change comes from the tragic case of two-year-old Joe Massa, who died last September at Northern Beaches Hospital following a delay in receiving timely medical care. Joe’s situation highlighted serious deficiencies in the hospital’s operational model, drawing sharp criticism from state leaders. Minister Park expressed a strong belief that the current model used by Northern Beaches Hospital is not suitable for the public healthcare system in New South Wales (NSW).
Premier Chris Minns emphasised the importance of ensuring that no other family experiences similar heartbreak, framing the need for reform as a matter of moral responsibility. He asserted that health care should prioritise saving lives over profit margins, reinforcing that the essence of the healthcare system lies in protecting and caring for its patients.
The Massa family’s heartbreaking experience, which saw Joe waiting over two hours for treatment, underscores the need for urgent reforms. His mother, Elouise, recounted the distress of requesting necessary medical assistance, which went unheeded, ultimately resulting in Joe’s transfer to Sydney Children’s Hospital, where he tragically passed away.
Elouise and her husband, Danny, appeared alongside governmental leaders at a press conference, expressing gratitude for the proposed changes while also highlighting the emotional toll of their loss. They welcomed the amendment as a step forward in restoring trust in the public healthcare system, emphasising that every resident of NSW deserves reliable treatment when visiting emergency departments.
The amendment to the Health Services Act will be introduced in the NSW Legislative Assembly and will require bipartisan backing to be enacted. Park reiterated the need for comprehensive reforms, indicating that while improvements are underway, additional oversight and accountability measures are essential for the future of public health services in the state.
Moreover, following Joe Massa’s death, Healthscope has committed to implementing recommendations from a Serious Adverse Event Review, with the Clinical Excellence Commission also conducting a review of paediatric care protocols at Northern Beaches Hospital. These steps aim to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future, ensuring that the focus remains firmly on patient wellbeing and quality care in NSW hospitals.