A 500-bed private hospital where a two-year-old's death triggered outrage will be bought with public funds to ensure the tragic scenario isn't repeated.
Northern Beaches Hospital in Sydney - the jewel in the crown of Australia's largest private hospital operator - came under fire after the death of toddler Joe Massa, who died in 2024 after spending three hours in the emergency department waiting for care.
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A sustained campaign led by his parents Elouise and Danny Massa prompted the NSW government to pass "Joe's Law", banning future private-public hospital partnerships.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said his Labor government had reached an initial agreement with hospital owner Healthscope, which is in receivership.
Talks to find a buyer for its remaining 36 hospitals are ongoing, amid concerns for a not-for-profit model in which workers' tax benefits would prop up the ailing operator.
