Christian groups criticise Harney's co-location plan

Two Christian groups have expressed opposition to private health facilities being built on the grounds of public hospitals.

The controversial move is the brainchild of Minister for Health Mary Harney, who says it will free up bed in the public health system.

However, the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice and the Adelaide Hospital Society say such a strategy would only serve to entrench the existing two-tier system of care.

They say the health services are currently at a crossroads and the Government must take the route that ensures people are treated on the basis of need rather than wealth.