| Large private hospital chain Healthscope faces financial collapse as creditors pull their backing | Communication

Healthscope, a private healthcare provider, has been placed into receivership after lenders withdrew their support. The company, supported by the global investment firm Brookfield, had been renegotiating its finances, as it faced a $1.6 billion debt and defaulted on various lease payments. Healthscope stated that their 37 hospitals will continue to operate as usual with no disruption to staff, doctors, or patient care. However, the health minister, Mark Butler, expressed concern for the patients, staff, and local communities relying on Healthscope’s services. The government has met with the administrator and receiver to prioritize patient care and workers. The financial struggles of Healthscope have raised concerns over public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector, particularly after the death of a two-year-old at one of the company’s hospitals. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation stated that the collapse of Healthscope serves as a warning about the dangers of privatizing essential healthcare services.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/26/healthscope-private-hospitals-receivership