Collaborative healthcare system with intertwined public and private hospitals, symbolizing efficiency and timeliness.

Is Public-Private Partnership the Prescription for Healthcare Timeliness?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study examines how public-private hospital partnerships can improve healthcare access in New South Wales."

In today's healthcare landscape, the concept of 'right care, right place, at the right time' is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a crucial goal. Healthcare systems worldwide are striving to provide timely, high-quality, and affordable care that addresses individual needs and circumstances. New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is no exception. The NSW Ministry of Health champions this vision through core values, including collaboration, aiming to ensure adequate and timely access to essential services.

However, achieving this goal is an ongoing challenge. Delays in healthcare access can lead to a host of negative consequences, including unnecessary suffering, increased financial burdens for patients, longer hospital stays, adverse health outcomes, and reduced patient satisfaction. As demand for public hospital services continues to surge, exceeding available resources, healthcare systems must explore innovative solutions to bridge the gap and ensure timely care for all.

A recent study published in the Australian Health Review investigates the feasibility of improving healthcare timeliness in NSW through public-private hospital partnerships. By examining existing hospital capacity and exploring opportunities for collaboration, the study sheds light on a potential pathway toward a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system.

Unlocking Healthcare Timeliness: How Public-Private Partnerships Can Revolutionize Access

Collaborative healthcare system with intertwined public and private hospitals, symbolizing efficiency and timeliness.

The study, conducted by researchers Carla Saunders, David J. Carter, and Quentin Bryce Law, delves into the potential of public-private partnerships to alleviate the strain on NSW's public hospital system. The researchers reviewed academic and professional literature and analyzed secondary data from national health repositories to assess inpatient access and utilization across both public and private hospitals in NSW.

The findings reveal a significant challenge: in 2014–15, the NSW public hospital system could not provide care within the medically recommended timeframe for over 27,400 individuals awaiting elective surgery. This backlog underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access and timeliness.

Capacity Crunch: The NSW public hospital system struggles to meet the demand for elective surgeries, leading to significant wait times.
Untapped Potential: Private hospitals, particularly those specializing in rehabilitation, have existing capacity that could be leveraged.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with private hospitals can free up resources in the public system, reducing wait times and improving overall efficiency.
Evidence-Based Approach: Further research is needed to identify and test effective models for public-private partnerships in healthcare.

To address this issue, the study proposes a strategic whole-of-health system approach that leverages the capacity of private hospitals. Specifically, the researchers suggest commissioning 15% of public inpatient rehabilitation bed days to the private hospital system. This move, they argue, could free up enough capacity in the NSW public hospital system to eliminate the elective surgery backlog and ensure timely care for all public patients.

A Call for Collaboration and Innovation in Healthcare

The study's findings highlight the potential of public-private partnerships to revolutionize healthcare delivery in NSW. By embracing collaboration and leveraging available infrastructure, the NSW Ministry of Health and its Local Health Districts can work towards realizing the objective of delivering the 'right care, in the right place, at the right time.' However, further research is crucial to fully understand available hospital capacity across both the public and private systems and to identify and test workable models that improve the timeliness of public hospital care. Ultimately, a strategic, evidence-based approach is needed to unlock the full potential of public-private partnerships and ensure that all Australians have access to timely, high-quality healthcare.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary goal of healthcare systems, and how does it relate to the context of New South Wales?

The primary goal of healthcare systems, as emphasized in the text, is to provide 'right care, right place, at the right time'. This means delivering timely, high-quality, and affordable care that meets individual needs. In New South Wales (NSW), the NSW Ministry of Health champions this vision, aiming for adequate and timely access to essential services. However, the ongoing challenge of delays in healthcare access necessitates innovative solutions like public-private partnerships to achieve this goal effectively.

What are the key findings of the study regarding healthcare access in New South Wales, and what are the implications?

The study revealed significant challenges in the NSW public hospital system, particularly regarding elective surgeries. In 2014–15, over 27,400 individuals awaiting elective surgery couldn't receive care within the medically recommended timeframe. This 'Capacity Crunch' highlights the urgent need for solutions. The implications of this backlog include potential unnecessary suffering, increased financial burdens, longer hospital stays, adverse health outcomes, and reduced patient satisfaction. The study suggests that strategic partnerships with private hospitals, such as commissioning 15% of public inpatient rehabilitation bed days, could help eliminate the backlog and improve timely care.

How can public-private partnerships improve healthcare timeliness in New South Wales, according to the study?

The study proposes that public-private partnerships can improve healthcare timeliness by leveraging the existing capacity of private hospitals. Specifically, the researchers suggest commissioning 15% of public inpatient rehabilitation bed days to the private hospital system. This collaboration can free up resources in the NSW public hospital system, thereby reducing wait times for elective surgeries and improving overall efficiency. This approach offers a strategic, evidence-based pathway to enhance healthcare delivery.

What role do private hospitals play in the proposed solution, and what specific actions are suggested?

Private hospitals, particularly those specializing in rehabilitation, have untapped potential that the study suggests leveraging. The researchers propose commissioning 15% of public inpatient rehabilitation bed days to the private hospital system. This specific action aims to utilize the existing capacity within the private sector to alleviate the strain on the NSW public hospital system, reduce the backlog of elective surgeries, and ensure timely care for all public patients. This strategic collaboration is a key element of the proposed solution.

Why is further research crucial for the success of public-private partnerships in healthcare within New South Wales?

Further research is crucial for several reasons. It's needed to fully understand available hospital capacity across both the public and private systems. Also, it's essential to identify and test workable models that improve the timeliness of public hospital care. The study emphasizes the importance of an evidence-based approach. This research will help in refining and validating the effectiveness of public-private partnerships to unlock their full potential and ensure all Australians have access to timely, high-quality healthcare. Without it, implementation risks being less effective than planned.