Calvary Health Care has acknowledged community concerns and uncertainty regarding its proposed acquisition of Newcastle Private Hospital and Hunter Valley Private Hospital.
The Catholic provider is planning to take over 14 hospitals across the country, including Newcastle and Hunter Valley Private hospitals, after Healthscope collapsed earlier this year, ABC News reports.
The hospital sales are still subject to regulatory approvals, including the transfer of a state government-issued hospital licence and a determination from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
In a statement yesterday, Calvary said it was aware the proposed acquisitions in Newcastle had “created questions for patients, clinicians, staff and the broader community”.
“The acquisitions will provide greater stability for the hospitals, their employees and the communities they serve. We expect most services to continue,” the statement said.
“As a Catholic healthcare organisation, Calvary’s approach to care is guided by the Code of Ethical Standards for Catholic Health and Aged Care Services in Australia.
“As a result, some services currently available at the two hospitals will not be offered by Calvary.
“These include in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies, voluntary assisted dying (while complying with all relevant legislative obligations), elective terminations of pregnancy, and gender reassignment procedures.
“Sterilisation and contraceptive procedures are not offered where fertility prevention is their sole purpose. Where Calvary is unable to offer a particular service, admitted patients will continue to receive all other care and support.”
Calvary Health Care chief executive Damien Bruce said the organisation recognised that changes to some services will affect clinicians and their patients.
“We are having active discussions with local clinicians to understand those impacts and are committed to working with relevant healthcare providers to explore appropriate pathways for patients,” Mr Bruce said.
“For 140 years, Calvary has provided high-quality, compassionate healthcare for people from all backgrounds, beliefs and circumstances.
“We will bring that same commitment to Newcastle Private and Hunter Valley Private hospitals, with a clear focus on caring for patients and supporting them through the transition.”
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Calvary Health Care purchase of Newcastle Private Hospital and Hunter Valley Private Hospital (Calvary Health Care)
Calvary Health Care confirms controversial cuts to services at two Newcastle hospitals (By Ben Clifford, ABC News)
