A major public hospital in the Hunter region has been plunged into a fresh crisis, forced to close its second cancer ward in under a month after maggots fell from ceiling vents onto patients in their beds.
Internal emergency declared as infestation escalates
On Monday, January 20, 2026, the Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle declared a Code Yellow internal emergency. The drastic step was taken following the discovery that maggots were falling from the air conditioning system in the inpatient haematology ward, known as Ward 5C.
While the pests were first noticed on Tuesday, January 13, the situation reached a critical point on Monday when the maggots began landing on patients. Hospital management immediately made the decision to close the ward entirely. All patients are being relocated within the Mater facility, with some stable patients transferred to another hospital.
This disturbing incident follows the closure of the neighbouring haematology day ward, Ward 5D, just two weeks earlier on January 5. That ward was shut due to a severe mould infestation within its air conditioning vents, with patients moved to the physiotherapy department.
A pattern of systemic failures under scrutiny
The latest infestation is believed to be directly linked to the existing mould problem. Flies are known to lay eggs in such environments, as the mould breaks down organic matter and creates an ideal breeding ground for maggots.
This event is the latest in a string of serious issues plaguing the hospital over the past year, bringing its unique public-private partnership structure under intense scrutiny. Although it functions as a public hospital, the Calvary Mater is operated by a private entity named Novacare.
The hospital's troubles include:
- The ongoing mould infestation in air conditioning systems.
- Internal leaks so severe they forced the cancellation of chemotherapy treatments.
- Major concerns over contaminated potable water stemming from corroded, mouldy water tanks lacking vermin control.
Furthermore, a class action lawsuit is underway. The Newcastle Herald revealed that Honeywell, a company within the Novacare consortium, was informed in October 2024 that air conditioning ducts in the cancer ward needed replacement due to dangerous Aspergillus mould. The company allegedly chose not to act on the report or inform staff and patients for six months, until the information was leaked in April 2025.
Political pressure mounts as health minister faces calls to act
The Aspergillus mould found throughout the hospital's cancer and haematology wards poses a grave threat to immunocompromised patients, potentially causing life-threatening pneumonia. A recent Bureau of Health Information study found the Calvary Mater had "higher than expected mortality" for pneumonia patients, even as rates decreased statewide.
In response to the latest crisis, a spokesperson for NSW Health Minister Ryan Park stated his office had "sought urgent advice from NSW Health and the local health district on this matter." However, Minister Park has previously rejected calls for a full investigation into the hospital's spiralling problems, stating his focus was on establishing a management plan.
Calvary Mater cancer patient and Upper Hunter councillor, Troy Stolz, has demanded immediate intervention. "This is unbelievable, how can the Health Minister continue to ignore this?" Mr Stolz said. "This is overwhelming evidence of a contractor not fulfilling its obligations."
A Hunter New England Health spokesperson apologised to affected patients, confirming that relocations would allow specialist pest controllers full access to the sealed-off areas. The long-term solution for a hospital serving some of the region's most vulnerable patients, however, remains unclear as the crisis deepens.
