Tuggerah Lakes Private (TLP) Hospital is not closed and staff remain ready and willing to help the Central Coast Local Health District support the people of the former Wyong Shire through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The news comes after the hospital’s operator, Healthe Care Australia, announced TLP was to be closed for an undisclosed period from April 2 onwards.
That was announced on March 27, following the government’s suspension on all non-urgent elective surgery.
The suspension threw the private health sector into chaos, as that directive came with no capacity guarantees to support staff, with TLP’s workforce stood down as a result.
In a follow up statement, Healthe Care CEO, Steve Atkins, said the Commonwealth had agreed to provide a capacity guarantee for all Australian private hospitals allowing Healthe Care to keep the doors open at TLP.
“It has been an incredibly difficult time for our Healthe Care staff, particularly in light of the decisions that government has had to make in response to the impacts of COVID-19.
“In this time of heightened uncertainty, employment security for our people has been our primary focus, which is why we’ve extended leave benefits to staff, whilst advocating for government guarantees for the private health sector.
“We fully support Greg Hunt’s $1.3B funding announcement overnight and look forward to discussing the details and accessibility so we can ensure job sustainability for our staff into the future,” he said.
Atkins added that this was an unprecedented time for both the public and private healthcare sectors and that he was pleased that both Federal and State Governments were being responsive to the needs and issues arising within the private sector.
“We’re reassured that government has listened to us and has confirmed the private hospital sector’s critical role in supporting Australia’s health sector combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our staff are critical to our private hospitals and will be critical support for the overall health sector under this federal plan,” Atkins said.
According to Atkins TLP staff were advised of their reversal of fortune on April 1.
“Our staff have been informed of our decision to cease the hospital staff stand down and we are working with each employee around returning to work,” he said.
Source:
Website, Mar 27
Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital
Media statement, Apr 16
Haydn Murray, Healthe Care Australia
Reporter: Dilon Luke