Hospital staff fear for future

pital, admits it is assessing the viability of the Varsity Lakes business.

“We note that Pulse FY16 (financial year 2016) accounts report an approximate $6m loss for Gold Coast Surgical Hospital and are unaware of any improvements to the financial position,” said Healthe Care spokeswoman Michelle Ballard.

“Healthe Care is reviewing the hospital and will carefully consider the best interests of everyone involved, whilst ensuring it does not further impact the business and the quality of care patients receive.

“We hope to have the Pulse hospitals come into the Healthe Care Group on or around May 16, 2017.”

Healthe Care this week dismissed speculation it had made a decision to sack all 60 staff at Gold Coast Surgical Hospital.

However, one senior staff member who did not want to be named said it was “common knowledge” that all staff would be dismissed by Friday next week.

“The hospital is only brand new. They own Robina Private and they’re going to expand that in 18 months time and instead of transitioning the staff, they’re going to sack everyone and then try to hire people in 18 months time which is abhorrent.”

The staff member said there had been no official communication between bosses and staff about the possible closure of the hospital and it was having a definite impact on patients, staff and their families.

“There are lots of single, middle-aged women. It’s their sole source of income.”