Tag: NSW Health

Measles Alert Issued for Northern Beaches After Confirmed Case Visits Dee Why and Manly

Health authorities have issued a measles alert for Sydney’s Northern Beaches after a confirmed case visited several public places in Dee Why and Manly while infectious.

Read: Surfing Community Unites to Honour Mercury Psillakis

The person, who was a close contact of another recent measles case in northern Sydney, attended shops, cafés, and restaurants across the area in late September.

Although there is no ongoing risk at the listed venues, NSW Health has asked people who were present at those times to monitor for symptoms until the dates specified for each location.

Exposure sites include:

  • Dee Why Discount Vitamins, 2/681 Pittwater Road — Thursday, 25 September, 11:00am–11:30am
  • Twist Espresso & Wine, 23 Howard Avenue, Dee Why — Thursday, 25 September, 11:20am–12:30pm
  • Chemist Warehouse Dee Why, 23 Howard Avenue — Thursday, 25 September, 12:00pm–12:40pm
  • Woolworths Dee Why, 37 Howard Avenue — Thursday, 25 September, 12:15pm–1:30pm
  • Mex & Co Manly, 30–32 South Steyne, Manly — Saturday, 27 September, 6:30pm–8:30pm
measles alert
Photo credit: Google Street View

Anyone who attended these venues should monitor for symptoms until 13 October (for Dee Why locations) or 15 October (for the Manly location).

Dr Michael Staff, Director of Public Health for Northern Sydney Local Health District, explained that measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

He said: “Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore eyes, and a cough followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash which usually spreads from the head and neck to the rest of the body.”

It may take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Dr Staff urged anyone who develops signs of measles to phone ahead before visiting a doctor or hospital to reduce the risk of passing the illness on to others in waiting rooms.

He also stressed the importance of vaccination, noting that measles can be prevented even after exposure if the vaccine is given early enough.

“We want to again remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Anyone born in 1966 or after needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine,” he said.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for children at 12 and 18 months, and also available at no cost for people in NSW born after 1966 who have not received two doses.

Parents planning overseas travel with infants under 12 months are encouraged to seek advice from their GP about an early vaccination, particularly if travelling to high-risk areas.

The alert highlights how everyday places like supermarkets, cafés, and chemists can become sites of exposure to infectious diseases.

Read: Local Angler Rescued After 15-Hour Ordeal on Dee Why Headland

While the immediate risk has passed, health authorities are encouraging the community to check vaccination records, stay alert to symptoms, and seek timely medical advice if needed.

More information, including the full list of exposure sites and vaccination advice, is available on the NSW Health website.

Published 6-October-2025

Calls Mount for State Control of Northern Beaches Hospital 

Photo Credit: Pexels

A public forum in Dee Why has intensified calls for the State to take control of Northern Beaches Hospital after its operator’s parent company entered receivership.

Read: Dee Why Town Centre Targeted Under NSW Rezoning Policy

Background and Ownership Issues

The parent company of Healthscope, the private operator of Northern Beaches Hospital, has entered receivership following the withdrawal of support from lenders. Healthscope, which operates 37 hospitals across Australia, remains functional, with management confirming that operations, staff, and patient care continue without disruption.

Healthscope’s parent company, formerly controlled by Brookfield, failed to manage its $1.4 to $1.6 billion debt load, leading to receivership under McGrathNicol. A $100 million funding facility has been secured from the Commonwealth Bank to support ongoing operations.

Dee Why hospital issue
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Photo Credit: Pexels

Dee Why Forum Highlights Community Pressure

At a recent community forum held at Dee Why RSL, attended by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, the issue of hospital ownership took centre stage. The forum, organised by local officials Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan, followed growing concern over the hospital’s performance under the public-private partnership.

The forum also featured families impacted by incidents at Northern Beaches Hospital, including those of a toddler who died following an emergency department visit in 2023. The case was among several prompting an independent audit and a government taskforce to review the hospital’s management model.

Operational and Financial Clarity

Healthscope clarified that the receivership applies only to its parent company, not the hospital-operating entities. All 37 facilities, including Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest, are continuing normal services, with no changes to staffing or patient care.

The NSW Government confirmed it has contingency plans in place, including deploying a NSW Health executive team if required. Healthscope holds $110 million in cash and the additional Commonwealth Bank credit line to ensure continued hospital operations.

Northern Beaches Hospital
Photo Credit: Stephen Wong/Google Maps

Public Ownership Proposal

State and federal representatives have voiced support for public ownership. Healthscope has already offered to hand back the public portion of Northern Beaches Hospital, which it operates under contract until 2038. The private portion remains under contract until 2058.

While Mr Park acknowledged the complexity of such a takeover, local officials continue to urge the government to acquire both components. A voluntary contract termination bill has been proposed to bypass compensation payments, which have been cited as a barrier.

Community Sentiment in Dee Why

Residents and health professionals attending the Dee Why forum expressed frustration over ongoing uncertainty. Concerns were raised about understaffing, resource limitations, and the risks of relying on private equity to manage essential public services.

Speakers called for full public acquisition, increased investment, and improved hospital management to restore public confidence.

Next Steps

McGrathNicol has confirmed it intends to sell the hospital operations as a going concern and will engage with stakeholders to ensure continuity. The NSW Government has not yet committed to purchasing the entire hospital.

Read: Excessive Alcohol Consumption Remains High in Dee Why

Public discussion, particularly in Dee Why, remains focused on the future of hospital services and whether the current ownership model is sustainable.

Published 28-May-2025