Fresh Mould Discovery Escalates Safety Concerns at Calvary Mater Hospital
A concerning new mould outbreak has been identified within the radiation oncology unit at Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital, marking the latest development in an ongoing series of health and safety scandals plaguing the facility. Approximately twenty rooms and critical areas have been affected, including radiation therapy bunkers and storage spaces that can no longer be utilised for patient supplements or food supplies.
Ongoing Disruption and Staff Concerns
Despite multiple ward closures in recent weeks due to mould contamination, the radiation oncology department remained operational. Hospital management communicated to staff via email that they believed "there is no risk to immunocompetent staff and patients" and considered the risk to immunocompromised individuals as low. The identified mould, Aspergillus, is scientifically recognised as particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems and has been associated with pneumonia cases.
Hospital employees have described the situation as chaotic, with normal duties being abandoned to facilitate cleaning operations. "It is like constantly putting out small spot fires," one Mater staff member revealed, highlighting the disruptive nature of the ongoing contamination issues.
Regulatory Intervention and Electrical Hazards
SafeWork NSW has issued formal improvement notices to hospital owner Calvary Health Care and private operator Novacare, citing inadequate communication with workers about the persistent problems. The workplace safety regulator expressed concern that insufficient information sharing "at the time the risk is known" was increasing psychological distress among hospital staff.
Further investigation uncovered serious electrical hazards, including holes in hospital bed electrical panels large enough for inspectors to insert fingers and potentially contact live electrical components. Honeywell, the maintenance contractor within the Novacare consortium, received specific directives to address these immediate dangers that placed workers at risk of electric shock or electrocution.
Parliamentary Inquiry and Historical Context
In a significant political development, the Coalition and Greens have successfully pushed for a parliamentary inquiry into the Mater Hospital's management, maintenance, and operational challenges. This investigation will specifically examine the causes and management of incidents involving mould, water damage, and pest infestations, despite Labor's opposition to the inquiry.
This latest discovery follows previous SafeWork intervention in June 2025 regarding similar issues, including "slips, electric shock and inhalation of mould spores from rain water ingress and humidity." The regulatory body has set a February 20 deadline for resolution of all identified safety concerns.
A study has previously indicated that the Calvary Mater Hospital experienced "higher than expected mortality" for pneumonia cases, contrasting with statewide improvements in this area. Hunter New England Health authorities were contacted for comment but did not respond before publication deadlines.
