RBWH mould problem explodes as $2m more directed to eradication

More reports have emerged of “gross” mould at Queensland’s largest hospital as an extra $2 million is diverted to the problem.

Mould is continuing to spread in the state’s largest hospital – including in a major surgical recovery ward – as the government throws millions at eradicating the dangerous spores amid one of Queensland’s hottest and most humid summers.

The Courier-Mail can reveal additional expenditure of more than $2m has been allocated for a staggered mould remediation program at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

But patients and workers say the measures are too late.

Damning photographs they sent to The Courier-Mail show mould on the ceilings of levels 1 and 7 of the Ned Hanlon building and on windows on level 3.

It follows revelations in The Courier-Mail of black mould caked on the ceilings of a level 9 ward where a 79-year-old patient was battling pneumonia.

This week a 51-year-old business manager recovering from spinal surgery in the 7AS orthopaedic and trauma ward said it was “gross” to see mould around the airconditioning vent above his bed.

Further images of mould on ceilings have emerged.

“I had a 15cm open wound on my back and I know mould is airborne and has capacity to get into things – I was like, ‘you’re kidding me’,” he said.

“There were others with back surgeries in my room and when I raised it with the nurse she said, ‘put in a complaint, it’s the only way they will listen to us’.”

He said his week-long stay in the RBWH, ending on February 1, “left a bad taste”.

“I didn’t see a cleaner the whole time I was there; wardies came in and emptied the bins and our food trays were removed, that was it,” he said.

Meanwhile, photographs taken on Monday by a hospital employee show mould on the ceiling of level 1 near the Australia Post office.

Other photos indicate mould and grime on the windows of the walkway on level 3.

The staffer said there were many other places around RBWH that had not been cleaned for a while, including the food court and public toilet doors.

Mould expert Gerard Murtagh said a visual inspection of all photos confirmed the presence of mould, with the level 1 problem linked to an obvious water leak coming through the ceiling.

“I couldn’t imagine trying to recover from surgery or illness while ingesting mould spores,” said Mr Murtagh, CEO of mould eradication company MouldMen.

Mould on a window at RBWH

Mould on a glass panel at RBWH

Australian Medical Association Queensland president Maria Boulton said mould could exacerbate existing conditions and cause secondary infections and severe illness.

A Metro North Health spokesperson said a mould remediation program was underway after an initial assessment of the RBWH in November 2023.

“The program has identified immediate focus areas, with remediation works underway to replace tiles and clean air registers. Additional areas will also form part of the staggered remediation program.”

The spokesperson said the mouldy ceiling panels in ward 9BN had been replaced on Friday and the rest of the panels in that ward would be replaced this week.

“All wards have cleaners rostered to the ward to clean several times daily, and additional cleaning processes are being strengthened.

“Any patient, staff member or visitor who has any feedback, including about mould, will always be listened to and they are encouraged to provide this via our feedback channels.

“We take all feedback seriously and remain committed to continually improving.”