NSW Opposition Demands Inquiry Into Mater Hospital Mould Crisis
The NSW Coalition has formally called for a parliamentary inquiry into the ongoing mould debacle at Calvary Mater Newcastle, following the shutdown of most of the hospital's intensive care unit over the weekend for deep cleaning.
Escalating Health Concerns Prompt Political Action
NSW Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Mitchell expressed serious concern about the escalating situation, which saw multiple wards affected and patients transferred at short notice.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals will this week call for an inquiry into the management, maintenance and operational issues at the hospital, Mrs Mitchell stated.
She highlighted the sequence of problems that have plagued the facility, noting 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.
Government Promises Versus Reality
The opposition leader criticised the Minns government's response, pointing to pre-election promises to improve working conditions for frontline health workers that she claims have not been fulfilled.
Mrs Mitchell referenced staff descriptions of the hospital resembling an episode of Stranger Things and noted that family members have begun referring to Health Minister Ryan Park as the Minister for Mould.
The Minns government talks the talk, but they have once again failed to walk the walk, she asserted, questioning previous bureaucratic assurances that risks were minimal.
Hospital Operations Severely Disrupted
The Newcastle Herald reported that slightly elevated levels of the mould Aspergillus fumigatus were detected in:
- The intensive care unit
- Three rooms across Ward 4A
- Multiple areas in Ward 4B
- Several locations in Ward 4C
This follows earlier closures in January when two wards were shut due to mould in air-conditioning ducts and maggots falling from vents onto patients, including cancer patients in the haematology day ward.
An email to staff at 8pm on Friday confirmed that two stable patients were transferred from ICU to wards to facilitate clinical cleaning, with staff reporting approximately five patients moved in total.
Staff Express Anger and Distress
Hospital employees have voiced growing frustration with the situation, expressing scepticism about government promises for action given previous assurances that failed to resolve the problems.
We are angry, shocked and deeply disillusioned with those in positions of authority, one staff member revealed, adding that workers are experiencing escalating psychological distress, burnout, moral injury and fear of speaking out.
Staff maintain that while cladding repairs might address water leaks, the mould problem stems primarily from the air-conditioning system and humidity issues, with temporary management measures continuing to fail.
Government Response and Remediation Plans
In response to the crisis, the Minns government announced on Sunday that critical cladding remediation works would begin at the hospital as soon as practicable.
A statement from NSW Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed that improvement works to the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system commenced on January 14.
A Hunter New England Health spokesperson outlined the remediation timeline:
- Air testing will continue throughout mould remediation works
- Novacare is carrying out the remediation as facilities manager
- Works will require several months to complete
- Mechanical systems and ductwork replacement is necessary
Cleaning Operations and Patient Safety
Hospital management emphasised that while elevated mould levels were detected, they are not considered dangerous to healthy individuals, though specific vulnerable patient groups require protection.
Deep cleaning of the entire ICU and affected rooms in Wards 4A, 4B and 4C has been completed by Medirest, with follow-up cleaning ongoing.
The Calvary Mater Newcastle operates as a public hospital managed by private company Novacare, which holds responsibility for building maintenance and cleaning, with Honeywell handling specific maintenance aspects.
