K-Block’s delayed opening needs an explanation, the state’s medical association says

The government must explain to Tasmanians the problems that have delayed the opening of the new hospital, Australian Medical Association vice president John Davis has said.

Vice President of the AMA Tasmania, Dr John Davis. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

THE State Government must explain to Tasmanians the problems that have delayed the opening of the new Royal Hobart Hospital, the state’s medical association says.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney on Sunday repeated the government’s line that it was working on “commencing operational commissioning at the RHH this month”.

Ms Courtney was responding to eight questions regarding K-Block’s opening date and the quality of drinking water there.

Originally marked to open late 2018, the hospital’s redevelopment was pushed back to August 2019, before a further delay to October, then Christmas.

Its latest mishap has been revelations of lead in the K-Block water supply — an issue Ms Courtney would not confirm had been fixed.

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Under the redevelopment contract, there is a provision for the government to claim damages of up to $35,000 per day 60 days after the date for practical completion.

Opposition health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said if the government wanted to, it would be doing everything in its power to have it open.

“Otherwise they would be demanding penalty payments from the contractor if there are defects or issues that mean the building can’t open,” she said.

Asked yesterday if the builder was facing penalties for late delivery, Ms Courtney said she couldn’t comment on commercial matters.

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Australian Medical Association vice president John Davis said the government should explain what had prevented K-Block’s opening.

“If lead is the only problem, how is it being addressed and how long will that take?,” he said.

“But we need to know what those problems are.

“The cynical mind is going to think this is the government dragging its feet so they don’t have to spend money in this financial year on additional staff and beds.”

Dr Davis said with winter approaching, hospital problems would only get worse without K-Block.

“The hospital needs to start moving patients into the new wards now to allow services to settle in and additional beds be opened before the winter flu season begins,” he said.

“The hospital is in desperate need of more beds and more staff well before winter, and the government must work with the developers to pull out all stops to open the building.”

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