Ursula Stephens decries Goulburn hospital privatisation

The Goulburn State Electoral Council secretary and former Senator has criticised the government’s decision to call expressions of interest.

“Our real concern is that we’ll end up with a system whereby those who can afford it can access health services but those who can’t will wait,” Dr Stephens said.

“The surgery waiting list at Goulburn is out to 12 months and it will be longer under this model.” 

“Inevitably privatisation costs more and the user pays.”

Dr Stephens said at the also privatised Northern Beaches Hospital staff were similarly given only a two-year guarantee on jobs and management did not adhere to State Government mandated nurse to patient ratios.

She argued the Government had “got itself into a bind” following the blocked Transgrid sale, but privatisation was not the answer. It was “about profit, not people.”