Deadly Mould Outbreak at Sydney Hospital Impacts More Patients Than Initially Disclosed
More patients have been affected by a lethal mould outbreak at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital than was initially reported, as the state government faces scrutiny over the handling of the scandal. The outbreak, which has spread through patient areas at the state's top hospital, has prompted an apology from the health minister for deaths linked to the contamination.
Health Documents Reveal Extent of Outbreak
Highly sensitive health documents obtained by 7NEWS reveal that three deaths and seven cases in total have been recorded from the deadly outbreak inside RPA Hospital's ward nine. This ward was where organ transplant patients were receiving life-saving treatment between October and December last year.
Health Minister Ryan Park expressed deep sorrow to the affected patients and their families, while defending a health panel directive that kept the news quiet. He insisted, "There is in no way a sense of cover up or not informing the community."
Controversy Over Secrecy and Public Disclosure
However, when questioned about why there had been no public mention until the issue was uncovered in 10 boxes of documents, Park conceded, "I can see how people from retrospectivity could say well the community should have immediately been informed." He claimed that hundreds of people were informed, including cleaners and orderlies.
A transplant patient who was moved in January told 7NEWS, "They placed me in a different ward saying the transplant ward was under renovation." This statement highlights the lack of transparency surrounding the outbreak.
Details of the Mould Infections and Related Issues
Health officials stressed that two of the deaths were part of an aspergillus cluster, but a third transplant patient died with a different mould infection. NSW Health's Deb Willcox explained, "There are multiple types of fungi that can lead to an infection." According to documents, there are six other recorded cases of aspergillus at RPA.
In addition to the mould outbreak, the hospital is battling a pigeon plague, with staff complaining about a waterfall of waste going into the exhaust fan and circulating. Shadow health minister Sarah Mitchell commented, "We're talking about pest infestations, leaking pipes. This is systemic and it's right across New South Wales."
Broader Systemic Issues in NSW Hospitals
The minister acknowledged the broader issue, stating, "Our hospitals, over 220 of them, are in varying stage of conditions and age and from time to time, no doubt, there will be mould." When asked if patients could encounter mould even in the state's top hospital, Willcox responded, "This will happen from time to time."
The scandal raises serious questions about hospital maintenance and transparency in health reporting across New South Wales.
