Overview

• Lenders withdrew support over Healthscope’s A$1.6 billion debt, triggering McGrathNicol’s appointment as receiver.
• Commonwealth Bank’s A$100 million package supplemented by Healthscope’s cash reserves keeps all 37 hospitals operating normally.
• Receivers have secured 10 non-binding offers and expect an eight- to ten-week sale process for the entire business.
• Federal Health Minister Mark Butler ruled out any taxpayer bailout and demanded an orderly sale to protect patients and staff.
• The collapse highlights mounting financial pressures on private hospitals from high secured debt, insurer funding disputes and rising costs, spurring calls for sector reform.