Calvary has said that it is pursuing genuine negotiations with the ACT Government over its proposed compulsory acquisition of Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, but is also considering legal options.

Martin Bowles, Calvary’s national chief executive, said he had still not received any meaningful options for resolving the negotiations, including retained service delivery or compensation, despite meeting ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith last Thursday.

“We remain hopeful the ACT Government will give Calvary this matter appropriate consideration and provide options beyond the legislation,” Mr Bowles said. “Our people deserve this.”

• Calvary takeover bill introduced to ACT Assembly (11 May)
• ACT government claims Calvary negotiations failed (11 May)
• New northside hospital to be built on Calvary Public Hospital site (10 May)
• Fit the bill: Labor-Greens cross to bear – Calvary takeover (20 May)
• AMA: ACT Government ignored Calvary doctors (22 May)
• Belco Party condemns Calvary acquisition (22 May)

Hospital staff will begin transferring from Calvary to Canberra Health Services on 31 May, before the acquisition on 3 July. Ms Stephen-Smith introduced the Health Infrastructure Enabling Bill earlier this month to compulsorily acquire the public hospital site, and the ACT Government agreed to debate the Bill before any committee inquiry or report.

“This legislation could be enacted as early as next Wednesday, and yet we seem to be at an impasse with the ACT Government choosing to double down on its proposed legislation filled with draconian measures,” Mr Bowles said.

At the moment, Mr Bowles said, Calvary is maintaining its relationship with the Territory as currently governed by the Calvary Network Agreement.

“Calvary has 76 years left on our contract, which is part of our long-term business planning, and the ACT Government cannot simply take that away from our overall business without impacting our services more broadly,” Mr Bowles said.

Ms Stephen-Smith said: “The ACT Government made this decision because we believe a single network health system is the best option for the Territory.  

“We advised Calvary last April that if we were unable to reach an agreement, we would consider legislating to acquire the land needed to build the new hospital.

“The ACT Government will continue to work collaboratively and respectfully with Calvary throughout the transition to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and patients.”