Private hospital nurses strike over 2.4% pay offer far below inflation
Nurses struck at two Hunter private hospitals over a 2.4% offer, far below the 16% public nurses secured.
Nurses and midwives at Lingard and Maitland private hospitals in the Hunter have begun industrial action. Nurses and midwives are rejecting Healthe Care's pay offer.
The company, Australia's second-largest private hospital operator, offered 2.4% this year and 3% in both 2027 and 2028. Public hospital nurses secured 16% over three years.
The consumer price index rose to 4% in the 12 months to August, making the offer below inflation. Staff at Lingard have been "leaving in droves since April," according to registered nurse Louise Moya.
Nurses are moving to the public system or leaving nursing entirely. Industrial action includes wearing union scrub tops, stop-work rallies, overtime bans, and refusing non-clinical duties.
- 2.4 per cent
- Healthe Care's pay offer year one
- 16 per cent
- Public nurses' three-year gain
- 4 per cent
- Consumer price index
- Lingard and Maitland, Hunter
- Hospitals affected
Why it mattersPrivate hospital patients pay high fees expecting quality care, but staff shortages and burnout are forcing skilled nurses to leave the system.
AustraliaNSW private hospital patients may face care delays and reduced staffing; the dispute could spread to six more hospitals Healthe Care is acquiring.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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