Delays and problems continue to plague the redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said since a firm guarantee by former Premier Will Hodgman that 44 beds would open in February, the Liberals have backed away from making a commitment on timing.
“Will Hodgman was unequivocal: 44 new beds would be available to patients in February 2020.
“Well, it’s February and there’s no sign the hospital is completed, let alone open for patients.
“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.
“The more that time drags on, the more uncertain the Liberals seem to be about when K block will open.”
Ms Lovell said the $690 million redevelopment has been plagued by problems and delays.
“That’s included industrial action, non-payment of workers’ wages, questions over who pays for the lengthy delays, and workers at the site being exposed to asbestos and mould.
“It’s disturbing that a project to deliver a new hospital wing has experienced issues that risk the health and safety of the people building it.
“Peter Gutwein and Sarah Courtney must come clean on the reasons for the unacceptable delay in completion, including ruling out any ongoing health risk to workers or patients, and give Tasmanians a real timeframe for K block to open.”
Sarah Lovell
Shadow Minister for Health
