Australia’s consumer watchdog has approved the sale of the Hobart Private Hospital to Catholic provider, Calvary, despite the likelihood it will refuse to provide a number of procedures on religious grounds.
The decision was made on August 27, after months of deliberation.
The ACCC found the hospital could cease to operate altogether, without the acquisition.
“The services that would likely not be provided by Calvary at Hobart Private if the acquisition proceeds include certain IVF and other assisted reproductive services, voluntary assisted dying, elective terminations of pregnancy, and gender reassignment procedures,” the commission found.
“The ACCC considers that these particular private hospital services would likely cease being provided at Hobart Private in both the future with and without the Acquisition.”
It means Calvary will be the only private hospital operator in Hobart.
Equality Tasmania spokesperson Yalei Wilson said the decision was disappointing.
“This may mean trans and gender diverse Tasmanians have to seek treatment interstate, at great expense to themselves and to the state government,” they said.
“We urge the State Government to step in and ensure existing services continue in Tasmania without disruption.”
They said the matter would be referred to the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.
Tasmanian Health Minister Bridget Archer said the government will ensure there’s no service gap for vulnerable Tasmanians.
“It will ensure the continued availability of private health services for Hobart and surrounds, helping to take pressure off our public system and supporting Tasmanians when they need it,” she said.
“We understand the concerns raised around what services will be offered by Calvary and I note the ACCC’s acknowledgement services would likely cease.”
She said the provision of IVF has already been resolved, and work was underway to secure other procedures.
After Calvary announced its intention for the acquisition, seller, Healthscope, which is in receivership, revealed it would run its remaining 31 hospitals under a not-for-profit model.
