Revelations today that lead has been discovered in drinking water at the Royal Hobart Hospital put in doubt the future of the $690 million redevelopment project.
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said the future of K block is now under a significant cloud.
“It’s astonishing to learn that contaminated drinking water has been discovered in a health facility.
“This puts at risk the health of workers on the site, and there are many questions to be answered before patients could come anywhere near that part of the hospital.
“Sarah Courtney and Peter Gutwein must have known about this for some time and have cynically hidden this information.
“At least we now know why this redevelopment has stalled for so long.”
Ms Lovell said the redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital has been plagued by problems and delays.
“Sarah Courtney must wish Will Hodgman had not given an unequivocal guarantee that 44 beds would open in February.
“It seems certain now that this commitment can not be met.
“This is the latest blow to a project plagued by issues including industrial action, non-payment of workers’ wages, discovery of asbestos and mould on site, and questions over who pays for the lengthy delays.
“If the government had a hospital that was ready to occupy they wouldn’t miss a chance to cut a ribbon, yet they’re absolutely silent. And now we know why.
“Peter Gutwein and Sarah Courtney must explain how they plan to resolve this issue, how they can rule out any ongoing risk to workers, and how Tasmanians can be reassured that the new section of the Royal Hobart Hospital will be safe for patients.”
Sarah Lovell
Shadow Minister for Health
