BY MAXWELL HARVEY
Critical infrastructure failures at Newcastle's Calvary Mater Hospital are set to be addressed under a new State Government plan.
NSW Health has announced a taskforce to manage critical asset remediation at the hospital, addressing building condition, maintenance, and critical safety failures.
The Mater has faced constant controversy after accusations of mould in the cancer ward surfaced, alleging fungal infections had caused several fatalities over a 20-year period.
A lengthy parliamentary inquest uncovered evidence of corruption and cover-ups, recommending an immediate termination of the hospital's public-private partnership (PPP).
NSW Health announced $12.5 million for emergency remediation work earlier this year, replacing external cladding to prevent water leaks into the hospital.
Current works are expected to be complete by mid-2027.
Health Minister Ryan Park claims the inaction of NovaCare, the hospital's parent company, forced the state government to intervene.
"Earlier this year, we formed the view that we could no longer wait for NovaCare to act, and we stepped in to rectify the cladding and undertake cleaning -- some of which has already been completed," he said.
"We also undertook a building condition report to help identify more long-term structural issues which will help guide further rectification moving forward."
The report examined 1172 assets throughout the facility, finding 305 had defects and required intervention.
Included was an audit into the Mater's dysfunctional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, which is believed to be a key cause of continuous mould and maggot infestations.
The health taskforce is set to conduct additional remediation work based on the report's findings, with a major focus on mitigating mould and moisture risks.
Discussions regarding future of Calvary Mater and the PPP are still ongoing.
