Mould cleared from RHH building, works on the way

THE mould nightmare at the RHH redevelopment is almost over, with Tasmania’s Health Minister confirming a temporary building will house patients by the end of the year.

THE mould nightmare at the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment is almost over, with Tasmania’s Health Minister confirming a temporary building will house patients by the end of the year.

Mould found on demountable buildings at the RHH in April. Picture: SUPPLIED

The discovery of mould in parts of the new building in April was a factor in the six-month blowout in the project timeline.

The $22 million building is crucial to the $689 million RHH development because it will allow patients moved to make way for building work to remain on hospital grounds.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said patients would begin moving into the building before the end of the year.

“It is on target for handover this month but there will need to be some commissioning, hygiene and cleaning to make sure it’s ready for patients,” he said.

In August, Mr Ferguson confirmed the hospital project was not expected to becompleted until mid-2019,following a series of issues including faulty modules and asbestos scares.

Deputy Opposition Leader and former health minister Michelle O’Byrne said the project was far from “rescued” as claimed by Mr Ferguson.

Meanwhile, a new unit opening to patients today is expected to ease bed pressure in the hospital.

The short stay surgery unit will provide post-operative care for patients who have had straightforward procedures, freeing up beds for people with more complex care needs.

Originally published as Mould cleared from RHH building, works on the way