The NSW Government is making moves to lay off staff at Manly Hospital’s Phoenix Unit even though it has not yet issued a tender for a new operator, said Manly MP Mike Baird who is pushing for the service to be retained.

“It’s obviously very concerning for staff and patients of the Phoenix Unit that voluntary redundancies would be offered before a contract is even issued for the new operator,” Mr Baird said.

“Despite the Health Minister providing assurances that the service would not be downgraded, clearly it is if staff are being laid off.”

In response to a question asked by Mr Baird in Parliament in June, the Health Minister confirmed the Government would not continue running the Phoenix Unit and planned to appoint a new not-for-profit operator.

“You would think the Government would identify a new operator for the Phoenix Unit, before draining it of resources.

“The Phoenix Unit has helped people overcome drug and alcohol addictions for 18 years.

“It is constantly full and has a two-month waiting list. It is not a service the community can do without.

“I will be asking the Health Minister when Parliament resumes to be transparent about the Government’s plans for the Phoenix Unit.

“Not only does the Phoenix Unit transform the lives of its patients, it also reduces costs to society as a whole.

“It is vital that the Phoenix Unit continues operation and is not downgraded in an attempt to plug holes in the Budget.”

The Phoenix Unit has 10 beds and offers patients free medically supervised drug and alcohol rehabilitation as part of a 28-day program.

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