Geelong Private Hospital to close

HUNDREDS of doctors, nurses and other staff in Geelong will be out of a job following the sudden news that Geelong Private Hospital will close within weeks.

Hospital owner Healthscope notified employees Tuesday morning at Geelong Private Hospital as well as Cotham Private Hospital in Kew that management had decided to close the hospitals.

Healthscope announced it had completed a review of the 45 hospitals in its portfolio, which found “there was a need for rationalisation of the company’s Victorian hospital portfolio, which has underperformed relative to the rest of the group”.

“We are aware that this will be a very difficult time for our staff and we are working proactively with them to explore redeployment and relocation opportunities at other Healthscope locations,” Healthscope chief executive Gordon Ballantyne said.

It is believed that Geelong Private will close no later than June 19.

Victorian branch secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Lisa Fitzpatrick said the closure of the hospitals and the loss of hundreds of jobs was “incredibly distressing” for the union’s members and their families.

“This distress has been compounded by rumours that a number of Healthscope facilities are to close.

“While the ANMF is very disappointed about the announcement, we recognise our members need certainty.

“ANMF will ensure our members receive all of their entitlements and are well supported through this stressful process of finding a new position.”

Barwon Health director of public affairs and communications Kate Bibby said Barwon Health would work with the Department of Health and the community to ensure Healthscope’s decision would not affect access to health services in the region.

“Barwon Health currently operates an outlet of its imaging business, BMI, from the Geelong Private site. This BMI outlet will continue to provide service from this location.

“Barwon Health has been using the theatres at Geelong Private to supplement existing stock of operating theatres with the intent to reduce our elective surgery waiting list. We intend to work through the options that could allow us to continue this.”