The State Government says it is increasing staffing at the Royal Hobart Hospital to support extra beds

The State Government its pressing on with recruiting more staff to work in the new wing of the RHH.

The Government has repeatedly said the new wing would be operating by the end of February. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

TASMANIA’S Health Minister says a recruiting drive for the Royal Hobart Hospital is in full swing, in readiness for the future opening of the hospital’s new wing.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the Health Department would tomorrow enter the next stage of hiring additional staff to support operational commissioning of K-Block.

“This will include additional nurses, cleaners, orderlies and food services staff, in addition to the 85 nurses who have just completed 12 months’ transition to practice and have been offered permanent positions last December,” Ms Courtney said.

“Importantly, there has already been additional nursing and allied health staff recruited to support the upcoming operational commissioning process, with additional specialist allied health positions to be recruited as part of this next round.”

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the Health Department would tomorrow enter the next stage of hiring additional staff to support operational commissioning of K-Block. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Ms Courtney said staff familiarisation and training would begin as soon as the Government took possession of the building.

Facing further questions on K-Block yesterday, Premier Peter Gutwein said delays to the acceptance of the new building from the builders were not about money.

Mr Gutwein told reporters the Government would not take possession of the new wing until it was ready.

“This is not about resources, it’s not about money. This is about ensuring that we have a building that’s fit for purpose,” he said.

“To be frank the media’s incessant questioning on this, I cannot believe that you or our political opponents would want us to take on a building that’s not fit for purpose.

“It just beggars belief. We will work through this process. We’re in the final stages of it and once we are satisfied that the building is fit for purpose, then we will move to operational commissioning.”

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The Government has repeatedly said the new wing would be operating by the end of February. Mr Gutwein said the Government would move to commission K-Block “as soon as we can”.

The Australian Medical Association has urged the State Government to explain the problems that have delayed the opening of the $689 million redevelopment. The AMA questioned whether the Government was delaying taking on the building to delay spending on staff and beds.