ACT government takes over Calvary hospital

Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse says he is ‘stunned and shocked” by the ACT government’s decision to acquire the current site of the Calvary Public Hospital.

Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn Christopher Prowse.

Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn Christopher Prowse says he is “stunned and shocked” by the ACT government’s decision to acquire the current site of the Calvary Public Hospital in Bruce to build a new hospital.

Archbishop Prowse criticised the government’s decision to begin the acquisition ­process to take control of the site in Bruce in Canberra’s north, ending 44 years of Catholic-based healthcare without “without warning or discussion”.

“We are utterly astounded,” he said. “There has been no formal contact with the archdiocese, nor has any reason been given.

“The lack of transparency of the ACT government raises several questions and concerns. It is a very sad day when governments can simply decide to mount a takeover of any enterprise they like without any justification.”

Catholic Health Australia chair John Watkins said the ­unexpected announcement was “disruptive and worrying”, with the move compromising the “distinctive institutional values and culture” offered by a catholic ­hospital. “Catholic hospitals have been caring for and healing Australians for 170 years and have long enjoyed a constructive and cooperative relationship with all Australian governments,” he said.

“This abrupt decision by the ACT government is a worrying rejection of a system that has served millions and millions of Australians well. Our immediate concern lies with the 1800 employees at the hospital who have not been consulted about the ­potential ramifications of this decision. But longer-term, this is a disturbing precedent for any ­government to set.”

CFMEU ACT secretary Zach Smith called on the ACT government to “bring in construction crews” and “move as swiftly as possible” on the project. “I know there will be those who whine about the compulsory acquisition princess, but a good territory government needs to think about the community first and stakeholder sensibilities second,” he said.

The ACT government announced the decision on Wednesday, saying it had negotiated with Calvary Health Care for months, but were unable to reach an outcome that met the health needs of the ACT community. It will introduce legislation to enable land acquisition on Thursday, which will transition existing Calvary staff and assets to the territory.

“Planning now for a bigger modern hospital on the northside will provide all Canberrans with access to more healthcare services closer to home,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. “Construction for the new Critical Services Building at the Canberra Hospital will be complete next year.

“Within the next decade, there will be two new hospitals with bigger emergency departments, more treatment spaces and modern equipment to meet the healthcare needs of Canberrans,” he said.