Tweed Valley Hospital is mould-infested just months before opening
There has been a mould outbreak on the tiles in the new Tweed hospital - but the exact location of the mould remains unknown. Will it impact the hospital’s opening, which is just weeks away?
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There has been a mould outbreak on the tiles in a $723 North Coast hospital - but the exact location of the mould remains unknown.
The long-awaited Tweed Valley Hospital in Cudgen’s doors are set to swing open on May 14 with 80 graduates already signed up for employment.
But the facility is now in the throes of a mould outbreak in multiple undisclosed locations – with only weeks ahead to resolve it.
A Health Infrastructure spokeswoman said work to remove the mould is underway and it will not impact the scheduled opening.
“Rectification works are being completed and include removing and replacing the affected building materials,” the spokesperson said.
“Temporary modifications have also been made to adjust the air conditioning to reduce humidity in the air.”
The spokesperson said minor water damage and the prolonged high humidity conditions over the summer caused the mould.
“During operational commissioning activities for the new Tweed Valley Hospital, some mould has been identified in areas of the new hospital facility,” the spokeswoman said.
“The affected areas have been isolated and Health Infrastructure is working with the contractor, Lendlease, to ensure the quick and safe removal of the material.
“There is no risk to patients, staff, visitors, neighbours or contractors.”
The spokeswoman said work is expected to be finished in the coming weeks in time for the hospital’s opening.
The Tweed Daily News has sought comment from Lendlease and North Coast Housing Minister Rose Jackson.
Health Minister Ryan Park declined to comment on the mould outbreak and directed questions to Health Infrastructure.
The news comes as Broken Hill’s Willyama High School is set to be torn down because of a mould infestation.
The school closed in January after poor ventilation and humid conditions caused the mould to spread throughout its buildings over the summer school holidays.
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