Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Nurses, Midwives and Patients

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is extremely disappointed and deeply concerned by the financial collapse of private hospital operator Healthscope.

ANMF Tasmanian Branch Acting Secretary Phoebe Mansell said this situation will no doubt cause significant uncertainty and distress for our members.

“The ANMF’s immediate priority is working with State and Federal governments, as well as key stakeholders, to keep hospitals open and protect the jobs and entitlements of nurses, midwives, and other health workers,” Ms Mansell said.

“For the nurses and midwives who care for patients in Healthscope every day, this is a very difficult and worrying time.

“Despite the uncertainty, our members remain committed to their patients and will continue to provide the highest standard of care.”

Ms Mansell said while media speculation continues to circulate about the future of Healthscope facilities, the situation remains unclear. The ANMF is seeking urgent clarity and reassurance for staff, patients, and the wider community.

“The financial collapse of Healthscope is a stark and shocking reminder of the dangers of privatising essential healthcare services,” Ms Mansell said.

“This is what happens when we allow profit-driven corporations, often with overseas financial backing, to operate critical parts of our health system. Americanised healthcare models simply do not work in Australia.

“We cannot continue down a path where profits are prioritised over people.

“All Tasmanians deserve access to safe, high-quality, and timely healthcare – this is what Medicare was designed to deliver, and we must strengthen, not undermine, our public system.”

Ms Mansell said the ANMF will continue to advocate fiercely to ensure that frontline workers and patients are not the ones who pay the price for corporate mismanagement.