Calvary Mater Hospital Infrastructure Crisis: Patient Care at Risk Amid Systemic Failures
Calvary Health Care has voiced profound concern and mounting frustration regarding the persistent systemic failures in building infrastructure and maintenance at the Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital. The organisation highlights that these ongoing issues pose significant risks to both patients and staff, with urgent intervention required to address escalating deficiencies.
Public-Private Partnership Under Scrutiny
Responsibilities for hospital services and maintenance are managed through a public-private partnership involving the Hunter New England Local Health District and NovaCare, with oversight from NSW Health and the NSW Minister for Health. Despite repeated formal escalations of serious concerns to these authorities, Calvary Health Care reports being consistently stalled in its efforts to secure accountability and remediation.
Calvary has specifically raised alarms about mould contamination and broader maintenance shortcomings, emphasising that the consequences of continued inaction are now undeniable. The hospital has been forced to temporarily close two wards dedicated to serving cancer patients in the Hunter region, while general medical patients have been transferred to other facilities to prioritise those requiring more complex care. Additionally, elective surgeries have been cancelled, creating direct and distressing impacts on patients, their families, and hospital staff.
Limited Authority and Unacceptable Delays
Calvary Health Care asserts that it has acted within its control to safeguard patient and staff safety and to maintain care delivery for public patients. However, the organisation does not control the infrastructure nor hold the contractual authority to compel remediation under the current public-private partnership arrangements. That authority rests squarely with NSW Health and its partners.
The continued failure to address known and escalating risks is deemed unacceptable by Calvary. Each day of delay in providing a comprehensive and transparent response to the infrastructure and maintenance needs at Calvary Mater Newcastle represents another day of deferred patient care and increased, unsustainable pressure on hospital staff.
Disparity in Service Prioritisation
Calvary Mater Newcastle's critical needs continue to be deprioritised behind other services across the Hunter New England Local Health District, despite providing essential care to some of the region's most vulnerable patients, including those undergoing cancer treatment. This disparity is described as indefensible, raising questions about equity in healthcare resource allocation.
Calvary provides public hospital care at Calvary Mater Newcastle under an Affiliated Hospital Organisation agreement with NSW Health, which is expected to remain in place for at least another six years. The organisation is calling for an urgent and swift response to replace prolonged debates over long-term remediation plans, stressing that the health and safety of the community and staff depend on immediate action.
Damien Bruce, Calvary Health Care national chief executive officer, has emphasised the critical nature of the situation, underscoring the need for prompt resolution to prevent further deterioration of patient services and staff working conditions.
