Health Minister Demands Immediate Action on Mater Hospital Mould
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park has issued a firm commitment to address the escalating mould crisis at Calvary Mater Newcastle, declaring that remediation work must begin within weeks, not months. The minister's urgent intervention follows the recent closure of most of the hospital's intensive care unit and three ward rooms for deep cleaning over the weekend, intensifying concerns about patient and staff safety.
Political Pressure Mounts as ICU Beds Close
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Mitchell responded to the deepening situation by announcing that the opposition will call for an inquiry into the hospital's management, maintenance, and operational issues. "We've had mould, maggots and now it's ICU beds being closed. It's not good enough and it all needs to be investigated immediately," Mrs Mitchell stated.
Minister Park, however, emphasised that his primary focus is on resolving the mould problem as quickly as possible. "If I thought an inquiry would resolve the mould issue as fast as possible, I would do it," he told the Newcastle Herald. "I want the work started in weeks, not months. If I can get that started faster, I will."
Staff Voice Concerns Over Unsustainable Conditions
Hospital staff have expressed profound frustration and emotional distress over the ongoing mould issue. One staff member highlighted the unsustainable pressure, questioning whether the minister expects them to continually work in such an environment. "The emotional toll hurts. Does the minister want us to continually work in this environment and expose patients to extra stress when they're at their most vulnerable?" the staffer asked.
In response, Mr Park assured staff that he has their back, acknowledging the difficulties posed by the hospital's public-private partnership (PPP) structure. "These PPPs, from my perspective, don't work," he remarked, though he stopped short of committing to terminate the contract with private operator Novacare at this stage.
Root Causes and Remediation Plans Under Scrutiny
The Mater Hospital, a public facility operated by private company Novacare, faces complex challenges. Staff argue that the mould is primarily caused by the air-conditioning system and humidity, not just external water leaks. While the Minns government has pledged to start cladding remediation on the hospital's facade to prevent water ingress "as soon as practicable," employees insist that a comprehensive solution must address the HVAC system.
Minister Park confirmed that improvement works to the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system commenced on January 14. Hunter New England Health indicated that mould remediation, including replacement of mechanical systems and ductwork, is underway and will take several months to complete.
Financial and Legal Considerations Loom
When questioned about funding for the HVAC work, Mr Park indicated that the government is examining Novacare's contractual obligations. "We have to look at what the private contractor is obliged to do under the contract. We're looking at all options. That includes legal options," he stated.
The minister also revealed that an independent expert report, expected on Thursday, will outline steps to restore the haematology ward (ward 5D), which was evacuated last month due to mould contamination affecting cancer patients.
Calls for Strategic Bed Reduction During Repairs
Staff have urged NSW Health to prioritise fixing the mould problem comprehensively, even if it requires temporarily reducing hospital services. "They should not be doing service at all costs," one staffer emphasised. "They need a plan for the next 12 months to go ward by ward to fix it completely, while reducing bed capacity."
As the crisis unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for a swift and effective resolution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both patients and healthcare workers at the Calvary Mater Newcastle.
