Overview
- The Minns government will launch the first dedicated planned surgery centre at Northern Beaches Hospital, delivering up to 5,000 additional procedures annually from July 1, 2026 to cut elective wait times, with referrals to include patients from Western Sydney, the Central Coast and the Illawarra.
- The facility’s return to full public ownership from Healthscope cost $190 million, with the handover expected on April 29, 2026 under the Northern Sydney Local Health District and all 494 beds to serve public patients.
- The hub will prioritise high-demand specialties including ophthalmology, orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat, general surgery and gynaecology.
- More than 1,800 existing staff have been offered roles with NSW Health at the site, with accrued entitlements such as annual, long-service and sick leave to transfer.
- Former St Vincent’s chief executive David Swan is reviewing options for private services at the hospital, as the AMA and opposition press for clarity and warn of potential service closures and longer travel for some patients.