Healthe Care Australia closed its doors at LaTrobe Private Hospital at Bundoora on Friday night.
The health and hospital group’s lease over the premises at LaTrobe University was due to expire next year with no rights of renewal, but the board decided in June to close on August 29.
“We have decided not to participate in the competitive process with the university for a new lease for LaTrobe Private Hospital,” its June statement read.
There is no update on progress by Healthe Care to make alternative employment arrangements for current staff nor on the alternatives for doctors to find other premises to undertake specialist surgeries.
Northern Star Weekly believes as many as 150 jobs could be lost and there is likely to be big economic damage to the viability of local health providers servicing the 100 or so theatre operations performed at the hospital each week.
It is also understood that ongoing negotiations between the university and another hospital and health services provider, Healthscope, have not guaranteed a seamless handover of the hospital to a new operator despite months of discussions.
La Trobe University has built a significant reputation for its nursing and medical science faculties.
