The New South Wales government is contemplating the buyback of the Northern Beaches hospital from its private owner, Healthscope, due to the company’s financial troubles, including $1.6 billion in debt. Healthscope has proposed returning the hospital to the public system amid concerns over care quality and management issues, which have been exacerbated by recent incidents. NSW officials are cautious, emphasizing that they will not allow Healthscope to profit from the hospital’s difficulties, and are committed to ensuring uninterrupted services during negotiations.