High quality health care for ADF members in Sydney

Australian Defence Force personnel in Sydney will continue to access high quality health care following the expiry of Defence’s lease at St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst.

Defence has 14 dedicated healthcare facilities providing medical services to ADF members posted to the Sydney region. One part of this network is the ADF Ward atSt Vincent’s Hospital.  This 24 bed facility was leased to Defence in December 2008. The lease expires on 31 March this year and won’t be renewed by St Vincent’s in its current form.

ADF members will continue to access inpatient health services at Holsworthy and Richmond. Defence is investigating alternative options in inner Sydney for a new ADF ward to supplement the current inpatient facilities.

“Defence remains committed to ensuring our people always receive high quality and timely health care,” Commander, Defence Joint Health Command, Rear Admiral Robyn Walker said.

“The expiry of the lease at St Vincent’s will not reduce health care entitlements for ADF members.  Service personnel will continue to be hospitalised according to their medical needs.”

“The closure of the ADF Ward should not have an impact on waiting times.  Defence health policy determines acceptable waiting times and this is monitored by local health staff,” RADM Walker said.

“The expiry of the lease is a matter between Defence and St Vincent’s Hospital and is not related to Defence’s garrison health contract with Medibank Health Solutions.”

The collaboration between Defence and St Vincent’s has seen more than five thousand ADF members receive care during the last five years.

“Since 2008,  Defence has greatly appreciated the services provided at St Vincent’s. ADF members who are under ongoing care of a specialist at St Vincent’s can continue to see that provider until that treatment is no longer required.”

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999