Coalition Demands Inquiry into Mater Hospital's Mould and Maggot Crisis
The NSW Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Mitchell, has announced plans to call for a parliamentary inquiry into what she describes as the "horrific" conditions at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle. This move comes in response to alarming reports of mould in air-conditioning ducts and maggots falling from vents onto patients, which led to the closure of two wards in January 2026.
Nurses Rally for Change Amidst Growing Concerns
As the opposition prepares its demand for an inquiry when Parliament resumes in February, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) rallied outside the hospital. Protesters wielded signs with messages like "Piss Poor Performance (PPP)" and "my mum should come home safe, not sick", highlighting the frustration among staff and patients.
Camilla Smith, the NSWNMA Mater branch secretary, expressed deep frustration among hospital staff, many of whom are "at breaking point". She emphasised that new issues, including reports of faecal matter in the water, are emerging daily, calling for immediate action from NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.
Public-Private Partnership Under Scrutiny
The crisis has put the hospital's public-private partnership (PPP) with Novacare, a private company responsible for infrastructure and maintenance, in the spotlight. Greens politician and doctor Amanda Cohn joined the rally, arguing that the lack of accountability underscores the need to end all PPPs in NSW.
"Aspergillus in the air-conditioning and maggots falling from the ceiling are not safe for any ward, let alone a ward with cancer patients with compromised immune systems," Dr Cohn stated. She pointed out that under the PPP, these issues have persisted for months without resolution.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
Wallsend Labor MP Sonia Hornery has been raising the Mater's problems with the Health Minister on a daily basis, openly criticising the PPP. "I want more action on this - I hate public-private partnerships," Ms Hornery said, echoing concerns about the contract's effectiveness.
Despite calls for an inquiry, Health Minister Ryan Park has previously stated that his priority is resolving the issue quickly, though he doubts an inquiry would speed up the process. However, Ms Mitchell urged Labor to support the inquiry, stating, "It's time they got on board, the community deserves better than empty comments via a press release."
Government Response and Broader Implications
When asked about the situation, NSW Premier Chris Minns declined to answer directly, with a spokesperson claiming progress has been made on the maggot issue and mould rectification is underway. The spokesperson acknowledged the community's frustration but emphasised direct action as the quickest solution.
The Greens have expressed support in principle for a parliamentary inquiry, which would involve a cross-party committee hearing evidence from staff, patients, and families before making recommendations. This follows the Minns government's decision to end the Northern Beaches PPP in late 2025 after a preventable death, raising questions about why similar action hasn't been taken for the Mater.
Dr Cohn highlighted this disparity, asking, "Why should patients and staff at the Mater in Newcastle deserve any less than patients and staff at the Northern Beaches in Sydney?" Additionally, a preventable deaths class action is being prepared in response to the mould infestation, with families fearing loved ones died from mould-induced pneumonia.
Conclusion: A Crisis Demanding Urgent Attention
The ongoing crisis at Calvary Mater Hospital underscores significant challenges in healthcare management and accountability. With nurses rallying, political pressure mounting, and a potential inquiry on the horizon, the situation calls for swift and transparent action to ensure patient and staff safety in Newcastle's major hospital.
