The country’s largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), is extremely disappointed and concerned by the financial collapse of Healthscope – and its impact on nurses and midwives and their delivery of care to people across the community.

Speaking after Healthscope was placed in receivership today, Federal Secretary Annie Butler said the ANMF was reassured to hear from Healthscope that additional funding had been guaranteed to ensure all its hospitals keep operating without impacts on staff or patients but remains concerned about the longer-term future for the group.

“For nurses and midwives working at Healthscope, this situation is obviously very difficult and worrying for them and our thoughts are with them. However, we have been assured that their jobs and their patients are secure at this time,” Ms Butler said.

“We are extremely concerned, but the ANMF is working with state and federal governments and all stakeholders to ensure that we are front and centre of discussions with potential buyers so we can ensure our members will be in safe hands. 

“We have requested urgent briefings with the Receiver and with Healthscope Management and have been assured meetings will be arranged as a matter of priority.  

“The financial collapse of Healthscope is a shocking reminder about the dangers of privatising healthcare services and that Americanised health care does not work in Australia.

“We will also be urging the Government to review the types of companies they allow to participate in the delivery of health services and prevent unethical and unscrupulous parties, which have no regard for patients or the health workforce, from entering the system.

“We can’t allow profits to be put before patient care. All Australians deserve access to timely, quality healthcare, which is what we get under Medicare.

“We are supporting our members and advising any nurses and midwives working at Healthcare who are feeling anxious, stressed or need to talk, to contact NMHPA at https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/ or 1800 001 060.“

Ms Butler said the ANMF would continue to update members on the Healthscope situation. 

The ANMF, with over 345,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia. 

ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne. 

ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390