An independent consultant will conduct a full building condition assessment of Calvary Mater Newcastle, as the NSW Government moves to address ongoing concerns.
Health Infrastructure confirmed the review would be carried out separately from the current Public-Private Partnership (PPP) responsible for the facility’s management.
The appraisal will begin with a detailed audit of the Waratah hospital’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, with site investigations due to start next month.
It’ll also examine areas where remediation work has previously been undertaken and is expected to deliver a full building audit report later this year.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said staff unease about past maintenance tasks prompted the decision.
“Employees have consistently raised with me their concerns about previous work carried out by the facility’s management contractor,” he explained.
“This independent review responds directly to that.
“While this will not be a quick process, it’ll provide clarity on what needs to be done and allow a clear plan to be developed to ensure the necessary work is completed to an appropriate standard.”
The announcement follows confirmation that critical remediation will begin next month, after the NSW Government stepped in to fast-track long-delayed works.
A contractor has been engaged to replace non-compliant external cladding, which has been identified as a contributing factor to water leaks in parts of the building.
The works are expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Mater branch secretary Camilla Smith described the situation as “systematic failures” that have escalated over the past 12 months, with maintenance concerns allegedly bounced between parties under the PPP arrangement.
“We shouldn’t have to do that as a union or as nurses,” Smith said, referring to a Section 81 meeting convened through SafeWork to bring stakeholders to the table.
“We should just be able to come to work, do our job and go home.”
Ms Smith said staff wanted a clear timeline for remediation and regular communication to rebuild trust and ensure patients and workers feel safe.
The independent assessment is expected to determine the scope of further remediation required and whether more significant structural changes to the hospital’s management are needed.
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