Calvary Health Care

The parent entities of Healthscope Operations (Healthscope) have entered receivership, and the hospitals they own are being sold. Subject to regulatory approvals, including competition approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and licence transfers from state health departments. Calvary is proposing to acquire the hospitals to keep services running, protect jobs and clinical capability, and invest in their future as a long-term not-for-profit operator.  

Calvary is a not-for-profit healthcare provider that has cared for people from all backgrounds, beliefs and circumstances for over 140 years. Our hospitals provide specialist medical and surgical, maternity, cancer, paediatric, rehabilitation, palliative and end-of-life care, and our public hospitals provide statewide referral services.  

Today, Calvary offers care across hospitals, aged care, home care and retirement living. This breadth of experience across the full continuum of care means Calvary is well placed to operate these additional hospitals and services and support the people who work in them and the communities they serve.

Yes. Subject to regulatory approvals, Calvary intends to keep the hospitals open and operating. The overwhelming majority of clinical services are expected to continue.

Calvary confirms the planned 30 November 2026 transition date for the 14 hospitals, corporate office and Independence Services business will change. Calvary and other parties are working closely to agree on a new date. This is a necessary process, and we understand this may be unsettling for some, so we remain committed to working closely with staff, doctors, community, government and key stakeholders who we will advise once the transition date is confirmed.

Calvary's private hospitals are not funded by the state or federal governments. However, like other private hospital operators, Calvary may provide services to public patients under contracts with government health services.

The vast majority of services will continue. Services differ from hospital to hospital, but where they are currently offered, examples of services that will continue include:  

If you have questions about your own care or a booked procedure, please speak with your treating doctor. 

No. Calvary is not withdrawing from women’s healthcare. Where hospitals currently offer maternity care, obstetrics, and gynaecological care and surgery this will continue. This includes treatment for chronic conditions such as endometriosis.  

Everyone is welcome at Calvary. Every patient receives the same compassionate care and respect, including people who have used IVF, sought a termination, considered voluntary assisted dying (VAD) or made other choices that differ from Calvary’s position.  

Same-sex parents, members of the LGBTQI+ community and families are welcome.  

Calvary maternity services will continue to care for families who have conceived through assisted reproductive technologies or surrogacy. 

No. You do not need to be Catholic or adopt Catholic beliefs to work at Calvary. Calvary has a diverse workforce of more than 18,000 people, including staff and doctors of many religions and beliefs, and from all backgrounds.

Calvary is committed to providing compassionate high-quality care that supports patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We involve patients and their families in care decisions and provide support through treatment, recovery and end-of-life care.

The Code of Ethical Standards for Catholic Health and Aged Care Services in Australia is an ethical framework that guides decision-making, rather than a list of procedures that are allowed or not allowed.

As a Catholic healthcare provider, Calvary is guided by a Code of Ethical Standards that informs certain clinical and ethical decisions.

Most healthcare services are consistent with this framework, but some treatments and procedures are not offered. Complex situations are carefully considered in partnership with the treating doctor and clinical team, taking into account the patient's circumstances, clinical needs, available alternatives and potential benefits and risks.

Where a requested intervention cannot be offered, we remain committed to treating every person with dignity, providing clear information and supporting access to appropriate ongoing care.

A small number of services are not offered because they fall outside this ethical framework:  

Sterilisation and contraceptive procedures are not offered where fertility prevention is their sole and only purpose.  

Yes, where it is clinically necessary. What matters is the clinical purpose of the treatment. For example, an IUD insertion to treat a serious condition is different from a procedure done only to prevent fertility and treatment of ectopic pregnancy is also commonly performed at Calvary hospitals.

Gender-affirming procedures are not offered at Calvary. 

We recognise that accessing care elsewhere can create practical and financial challenges. Patients are encouraged to discuss their individual circumstances with their treating team so they can receive clear and timely information about their care options.  

Patients continue to receive all other care and support and are treated with dignity and respect.  

Where a service is not offered, we will work with the treating specialist to support appropriate pathways. 

Calvary does not offer or facilitate voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in our hospitals.

We continue to care for and support any patient who expresses a wish to consider VAD, and we respond to requests in accordance with the relevant state/territory legislation.

Throughout this process, if a patient chooses to access VAD, they continue to receive compassionate care, including pain and symptom management, palliative care and emotional, social and spiritual support.

Patient care remains our priority. There will be a transition period to ensure any changes to services are carefully managed, with patients and their treating doctors kept informed. If you have questions about your care, please speak with your treating doctor.