$300k hyperbaric chamber dropped in latest Hobart hospital bungle

WORKERS at the Royal Hobart Hospital have dropped a $300,000 hyperbaric chamber from a forklift in the latest bungle at the $689 million redevelopment.

Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment in Campbell St where a hyperbaric chamber was dropped. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

WORKERS at the Royal Hobart Hospital have dropped a $300,000 hyperbaric chamber from a forklift in the latest bungle at the $689 million redevelopment.

Health insiders told the Sunday Tasmanian the chamber had been sent to the US for repairs, which it is believed will be covered by insurance.

The accident follows a number of issues at the hospital site in the past 12 months including asbestos alerts and new prefabricated buildings found riddled with mould.

Queensland company Fink Engineering won the $5.4 million tender to supply a temporary hyperbaric chamber and to fabricate, install and commission the permanent hyperbaric chamber.

Macquarie Builders was awarded a tender to complete the $600,000 building works for the installation of the temporary hyperbaric chamber.

The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the equipment was damaged, but it was unclear who was responsible.

“Damage occurred to the Royal Hobart Hospital’s new hyperbaric chamber during delivery,” a spokesman said.

“The chamber has been pressure tested and remains operational, but will require repairs to a hinge mechanism.

“It is expected repairs will be completed prior to the required commissioning of the chamber. This being the case, there will be no disruption to delivery of hyperbaric medicine services.”

The incident has again raised questions about the progress of the redevelopment which is at least six months behind schedule.

Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff called on Mr Ferguson to ensure the damage to the chamber did not cause further delays.

Opposition health spokeswoman Rebecca White agreed.

“The number of errors and setbacks on the redevelopment is frustrating for staff and for the public, who were promised that the redevelopment had been “rescued” by Michael Ferguson,” Ms White said.

Mr Ferguson said the incident would have no impact on project timelines or services.

“It is understood that repairs will be covered by insurance,” he said.

“It is hypocritical that our political opponents comment on this — Labor and the Greens chose to keep the old hyperbaric chamber, which is approaching the end of its service. We are replacing it.”

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats decompression illness.

It is also used to treat tissue injury from radiation treatment for cancer and serious infections like diabetic wounds and gangrene.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also helps restore normal healing of wounds where it has been delayed.

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