Senior officials within NSW Health have delivered starkly contradictory assessments of a dangerous mould infestation within the cancer wards of Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital, with one labelling it "very serious" and another claiming the risk is "very minimal".
A Tale of Two Assessments
During recent budget estimates hearings, Greens MP and chair of a parliamentary inquiry into indoor air quality, Dr Amanda Cohn, questioned NSW Health secretary Susan Pearce about responsibility for fixing the issue. The problem exists under a complex public-private partnership (PPP) with the hospital's operator, Novacare.
"It is a very serious matter," Ms Pearce stated, confirming that the local health district and NSW Health had been involved in discussions for "many, many months."
In stark contrast, NSW Health Infrastructure chief executive Emma Skulander presented a different view. "I think that, at the present time, we're comfortable that the risk on the ground is very minimal," Ms Skulander said, attributing delays to the "complexity of the arrangements" with the PPP provider.
Patient Outrage and Parliamentary Scrutiny
Whistleblower and Mater cancer patient Troy Stolz branded the conflicting comments "a disgrace" and "unacceptable." He expressed disbelief that the government would cite complexity, a stance he believes will be even harder for grieving families to accept.
Dr Cohn emphasised the critical danger to vulnerable patients, stating the community rightly expects hospitals to be places of healing. "Many cancer patients have compromised immune systems and this means infections... are particularly serious," she said.
The mould species identified, Aspergillus, is a known and deadly threat. Australian government material notes it is a "well-known complication" for immune-compromised patients, associated with mortality rates between 30 to 95 per cent and linked to pneumonia.
Systemic Failures and Legal Action
A recent Bureau of Health Information study found the Calvary Mater had "higher than expected mortality" for pneumonia, despite a statewide decrease, raising further concerns.
While repairs to building cladding on a separate part of the hospital are planned—scaffolding was erected in November but work is yet to begin—the mould-infested cancer ward air conditioning vents remain a pressing issue.
When pressed on enforcement powers under the PPP, Ms Pearce mentioned "abatement regimes" for when operators fail. However, NSW Health refused to disclose how many such penalties had been applied to Novacare or their cost, citing no further comment on "specific operational contract management matters."
This lack of transparency has fueled calls for a broad inquiry. Meanwhile, two law firms are preparing a class action, seeking people who lost loved ones in the hospital's cancer wards between January 2024 and April 2025.
Despite mounting pressure, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has dismissed calls for an investigation, focusing instead on an ongoing management plan. The contradictory messages from his department's highest ranks, however, continue to undermine public confidence and leave patients and families demanding accountability.
