
In a small pair of toddler shoes lies the story of a healthcare system that failed its most vulnerable patients. These shoes belonged to Joe Massa, just 22 months old when he died after waiting three hours in the emergency department at Northern Beaches Hospital in September 2024.
Now, his grieving parents carry those shoes everywhere as a reminder of why the NSW government has spent $190 million to bring the troubled hospital back into public hands.
The announcement this week marks the end of what Premier Chris Minns called 'one of the worst decisions of any NSW government' - the privatisation of acute hospital services that put profits before patients.
In this article
The $190 million price tag for fixing a broken system
The NSW government has reached an in-principle agreement with Healthscope and receivers to return the entire 494-bed Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership. Under the deal, all clinical and support staff will be offered jobs by NSW Health, with their entitlements transferred from Healthscope.
Healthscope, which operates 37 hospitals across Australia, was initially contracted to run Northern Beaches Hospital until 2038. That plan has now been scrapped at considerable expense to NSW taxpayers.
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey confirmed the funds were for buildings Healthscope had paid for, not prospective profits. But he didn't mince words about the situation: the state government was having to 'repair the previous government's mistakes at great cost'.
'Joe is leaving behind footprints we will never forget in NSW'
Two tragic cases that changed everything
Joe Massa's parents took him to Northern Beaches Hospital's Emergency Department at 7am on Saturday, 14 September 2024. He was suffering from hypovolemia—a dangerous condition where the body loses too much fluid—and spent three hours waiting for adequate care.
'He was deteriorating, literally dying in my arms minute by minute,' his mother Elouise told media. Joe died after being transferred to another hospital.
But Joe's wasn't the only preventable tragedy. Newborn Harper Atkinson also died after treatment at the facility in February, with her mother believing an hour-long wait for surgery contributed to the death.
Understanding hypovolemia
Hypovolemia occurs when the body loses significant amounts of blood or fluid, often from severe vomiting, diarrhoea, or bleeding.
It's a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with IV fluids or blood transfusions.
Left untreated, it can lead to shock and death.
The safety protocols that failed
Investigations found the hospital's patient escalation protocols, including the REACH system (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way), were insufficiently accessible in Joe's case. This system is designed to help families raise concerns when they feel their loved one is deteriorating.
One key finding was the absence of Critical Care Overbed Network cameras in paediatric beds—technology present in other public hospitals that allows real-time clinical observation and decision-making.
A pattern of problems stretching back years
This isn't the first time Northern Beaches Hospital has faced parliamentary scrutiny—another inquiry examined its operation and management in 2019. A report by the Auditor-General this year found the former government's privatisation model did not allow the hospital to deliver adequate health services.
The problems were systemic, not isolated incidents. Nurses had reported receiving inadequate support and were planning industrial action before Joe's death brought the issues to national attention.
What happens to private services?
The future of private healthcare services at the site remains uncertain, creating anxiety among residents who valued having both public and private options under one roof.
Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged these concerns: 'I've heard loud and clear from the community through their local members, from discussions with clinicians directly, that this is important.'
The public takeover will include the existing 200-plus private beds, but exactly what private services will continue is still being determined. The government will consult with clinicians over the coming weeks and months to determine the final operating model.
The political reckoning
The privatisation was implemented by the previous Coalition government but has since been outlawed by Labor. Northern Beaches Hospital was one of six hospital privatisations attempted by the former Coalition, but the only one that proceeded.
Health Minister Ryan Park didn't hold back in parliament: 'There's three words NSW Coalition members should say today to the people of NSW: 'We are sorry'.' He called it 'arguably one of the worst examples of privatisation in this state's history'.
Shadow health spokeswoman Kellie Sloane said the Coalition had already apologised: 'This integrated model at Northern Beaches Hospital was done with the very best of intentions. Ultimately, it did not work out and it has let down families on the Northern Beaches.'
Joe's Law prevents future hospital privatisation
- Enacted in response to the Northern Beaches Hospital failures
- Prohibits public-private partnerships for acute care hospitals
- Ensures no future NSW government can repeat these mistakes
- Named after Joe Massa to honour his memory
Source: 10 News / Youtube.
What this means for patients and staff
For the hospital's workforce, the takeover brings much-needed certainty. NSW Nurses and Midwives Association general secretary Shaye Candish said it had been 'an extremely unsettling and stressful time for staff' amid public scrutiny and job insecurity.
All nurses and midwives have been assured they won't lose their jobs in the transition. 'This is much-needed certainty for our hardworking and dedicated nurses and midwives,' Candish said.
For patients, the transition promises a return to putting people before profits. As one government statement put it: 'This agreement delivers what the Northern Beaches community has been calling for—a publicly run hospital that puts patients before profit'.
The cost of learning expensive lessons
The $190 million price tag represents more than just buildings and equipment—it's the cost of acknowledging that some services are too important to leave to market forces alone.
'We've reversed one of the worst decisions of any NSW Government, where a private hospital model was foisted on the people of the Northern Beaches. Our state's acute hospital services that provide lifesaving care to the people of New South Wales should not be privatised', Premier Minns said.
Earlier this year, Healthscope entered receivership after lenders withdrew their support, leaving the government with little choice but to intervene. The agreement still requires approval from Healthscope's creditors, but if they refuse, the state has the legal right to terminate the contract unilaterally under laws passed earlier this year.
Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
A mother's legacy
For Elouise Massa, holding her son's tiny shoes, the victory is bittersweet. 'These are Joe's shoes, and I proudly carry them with me everywhere I go,' she said. 'Joe is leaving behind footprints we will never forget in NSW.'
Thanks to the Massas' courage and persistence, Joe's Law now ensures no future government can repeat the mistakes that led to the Northern Beaches Hospital privatisation. It's a legacy no parent should have to create, but one that may save countless other families from similar heartbreak.
What This Means For You
The transition won't be simple—Health Minister Park acknowledged this is 'the start, not the end' of a complex process. But for the families who've watched their loved ones suffer in a system that prioritised profits over patients, it's a start toward the kind of healthcare system Australia's seniors deserve—one where compassion comes before commercial interests.
What are your thoughts on this healthcare privatisation reversal? Have you or your family had experiences with public versus private healthcare that shaped your views on this issue? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/h...d11747775535089e197bcf47a45095?from=rss-basic
Police investigate hospital death—Northern Beaches Advocate
Cited text: Joe’s parents, Danny and Elouise Massa (image above, left) from Balgowlah, went public last Thursday (20 February) with claims that their son’s death ...
Excerpt: The NSW government has reached an in-principle agreement with Healthscope and receivers to return the entire 494-bed Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership
https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/02/28/police-investigate-hospital-death/
Agreement reached to transition Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership | NSW Government
Cited text: Elouise and Danny Massa, the parents of two-year-old Joe Massa who died at the hospital late last year, have been tireless advocates for the facility ...
Excerpt: The NSW government has reached an in-principle agreement with Healthscope and receivers to return the entire 494-bed Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...northern-beaches-hospital-to-public-ownership
Scandal-riddled hospital will return to public hands | The Area News | Griffith, NSW
Cited text: Healthscope operates 37 hospitals across the country and was initially contracted to run the Northern Beaches institution until 2038.
Excerpt: Healthscope, which operates 37 hospitals across Australia, was initially contracted to run Northern Beaches Hospital until 2038
https://www.areanews.com.au/story/9093182/scandal-riddled-hospital-will-return-to-public-hands/
Police investigate hospital death—Northern Beaches Advocate
Cited text: They had taken their young son to the Emergency Department of Northern Beaches Hospital at Frenchs Forest (image below) at 7.00am Saturday, 14 Septemb...
Excerpt: Joe Massa's parents took him to Northern Beaches Hospital's Emergency Department at 7am on Saturday, 14 September 2024.
https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/02/28/police-investigate-hospital-death/
Scandal-riddled hospital will return to public hands | The Area News | Griffith, NSW
Cited text: Northern Beaches Hospital in Sydney came under fire following the death of two-year-old Joe Massa, who died after he and his parents spent three hours...
Excerpt: Joe Massa's parents took him to Northern Beaches Hospital's Emergency Department at 7am on Saturday, 14 September 2024.
https://www.areanews.com.au/story/9093182/scandal-riddled-hospital-will-return-to-public-hands/
Two-year-old Joe Massa dies at Northern Beaches Hospital.
Cited text: 'He was deteriorating, literally dying in my arms minute by minute,' mum Elouise told Mamamia.
Excerpt: 'He was deteriorating, literally dying in my arms minute by minute,' his mother Elouise told media
https://www.mamamia.com.au/joe-massa-northern-beaches-hospital/
Police investigate hospital death—Northern Beaches Advocate
Cited text: Through a statement issued this afternoon (2.59pm Friday, 28 February), a NSW Police spokesperson has revealed that Joe Massa’s death occurred after h...
Excerpt: Joe died after being transferred to another hospital
https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/02/28/police-investigate-hospital-death/
Scandal-riddled hospital will return to public hands | The Area News | Griffith, NSW
Cited text: Newborn Harper Atkinson died after treatment at the facility in February, with her mother believing an hour-long wait for surgery contributed to the d...
Excerpt: Newborn Harper Atkinson also died after treatment at the facility in February, with her mother believing an hour-long wait for surgery contributed to the death
https://www.areanews.com.au/story/9093182/scandal-riddled-hospital-will-return-to-public-hands/
Parliamentary inquiry into safety and quality of Northern Beaches Hospital services | NSW Government
Cited text: It will look at how the hospital supports patient and carer escalation, including the Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way (REACH) protoco...
Excerpt: Investigations found the hospital's patient escalation protocols, including the REACH system (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way), were insufficiently accessible in Joe's case
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...quality-of-northern-beaches-hospital-services
Death prompts hospital inquiry—Northern Beaches Advocate
Cited text: The inquiry will also look at how the hospital supports patient and carer escalation, including the ‘Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way’...
Excerpt: Investigations found the hospital's patient escalation protocols, including the REACH system (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way), were insufficiently accessible in Joe's case
https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/03/14/death-prompts-hospital-inquiry/
Hospital scrutiny following death—Northern Beaches Advocate
Cited text: One finding to be addressed jointly by NSW Health and Northern Beaches Hospital is the implementation of Critical Care Overbed Network cameras that ar...
Excerpt: One key finding was the absence of Critical Care Overbed Network cameras in paediatric beds—technology present in other public hospitals that allows real-time clinical observation and decision-making
https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/08/08/hospital-scrutiny-following-death/
Death prompts hospital inquiry—Northern Beaches Advocate
Cited text: Northern Beaches Hospital was the subject of another parliamentary inquiry in 2019, which looked at its operation and management.
Excerpt: This isn't the first time Northern Beaches Hospital has faced parliamentary scrutiny—another inquiry examined its operation and management in 2019
https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au/2025/03/14/death-prompts-hospital-inquiry/
Agreement reached to transition Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership | NSW Government
Cited text: A report by the Auditor-General this year found that the former government’s privatisation model did not allow Northern Beaches Hospital to deliver ad...
Excerpt: A report by the Auditor-General this year found the former government's privatisation model did not allow the hospital to deliver adequate health services
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...northern-beaches-hospital-to-public-ownership
Two-year-old Joe Massa dies at Northern Beaches Hospital.
Cited text: Staff at Northern Beaches Hospital, run by private operator Healthscope, planned to walk off the job from 6am on Friday in a 26-hour industrial ban, a...
Excerpt: Nurses had reported receiving inadequate support and were planning industrial action
https://www.mamamia.com.au/joe-massa-northern-beaches-hospital/
Agreement reached to transition Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership | NSW Government
Cited text: “Our state’s acute hospital services that provide lifesaving care to the people of New South Wales should not be privatised and thanks to this decisio...
Excerpt: The public takeover will include the existing 200-plus private beds, but exactly what private services will continue is still being determined
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...northern-beaches-hospital-to-public-ownership
Agreement reached to transition Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership | NSW Government
Cited text: Northern Beaches Hospital was one of six hospital privatisations attempted by the former Coalition.
Excerpt: Northern Beaches Hospital was one of six hospital privatisations attempted by the former Coalition, but the only one that proceeded
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...northern-beaches-hospital-to-public-ownership
Scandal-riddled hospital will return to public hands | The Area News | Griffith, NSW
Cited text: 'This agreement delivers what the Northern Beaches community has been calling for—a publicly run hospital that puts patients before profit,' he said...
Excerpt: 'This agreement delivers what the Northern Beaches community has been calling for—a publicly run hospital that puts patients before profit'
https://www.areanews.com.au/story/9093182/scandal-riddled-hospital-will-return-to-public-hands/
Agreement reached to transition Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership | NSW Government
Cited text: “We’ve reversed one of the worst decisions of any NSW Government, where a private hospital model was foisted on the people of the Northern Beaches. “O...
Excerpt: 'We've reversed one of the worst decisions of any NSW Government, where a private hospital model was foisted on the people of the Northern Beaches.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...northern-beaches-hospital-to-public-ownership