Health Union Accuses Honeywell of Decade-Long Neglect and Cover-Ups at Mater Hospital
The Health Services Union (HSU) has launched a scathing attack on Honeywell, alleging a decade of neglect, cover-ups, and intimidation at the Calvary Mater Newcastle hospital. In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry, the union detailed claims of bullying, retaliation, and maintenance failures that it says endangered both patients and workers.
Allegations of Intimidation and Safety Risks
HSU secretary Gerard Hayes stated that whistleblowers were pressured to downplay findings of failings, with some quality reports allegedly altered to minimize safety risks. "Our members have reported facing intimidation and harassment, including being threatened with the loss of their job if they escalated concerns," Mr. Hayes said. He described this as disturbing behaviour from a contractor that prioritizes profit over people, creating unsafe conditions.
The union's report claims that workers who flagged concerns were threatened or forced out of their roles. One worker alleged in the submission that Honeywell "blatantly lied and bullied staff members" who identified inconsistencies in work procedures, with staff silenced and threatened with job loss.
Maintenance Failures and Inadequate Solutions
The HSU submission highlighted specific maintenance issues, such as Honeywell signing off on jobs as complete when they were later found to be incomplete or unrectified. A notable example involved a water leak near a clinical area, where the alleged solution was to place air-conditioning ducts into a plastic garbage bin. "This was in the walkway for patients to go into the room for their radiotherapy. It stayed that way for a long time," the submission quoted an HSU member as saying.
According to the union, maintenance problems raised by staff were often swept under the rug without proper resolution. "They sweep it under the rug and close the job without it being rectified properly," the submission stated.
Honeywell's Response and Defense
A Honeywell spokesperson rejected the HSU's claims, emphasizing that the company takes bullying and harassment seriously and investigates such allegations promptly. The spokesperson defended Honeywell's maintenance efforts, citing challenges like cladding defects, facade leaks, and an outdated HVAC system. "These all require replacing, which is beyond Honeywell's maintenance contract," the spokesperson explained.
Calls for Government Action and Reform
The HSU has urged the New South Wales government to launch an independent investigation into alleged bullying, harassment, and retaliation by Honeywell and Novacare management. This includes a retrospective review of former workers. The union is also seeking formal protections and a safe escalation pathway for healthcare workers to report unsafe conditions without risking their jobs.
Mr. Hayes criticized public-private partnerships (PPPs), arguing they put staff and the public at risk. "By allowing companies to make a profit from our public health facilities, everyone except those companies loses," he said. The Mater operates under a PPP between Novacare and NSW Health's Health Administration Corporation, with Honeywell responsible for maintenance as part of the Novacare consortium.
Novacare director James Ward was contacted for comment but has not yet responded. The claims are set to be further examined at a parliamentary inquiry hearing in Newcastle on Friday.
