Parliamentary inquiry urges return of Calvary Mater Hospital to public control

A parliamentary investigation in New South Wales examined a series of alleged maintenance lapses at Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle and concluded the public-private arrangement should be terminated. Chaired by Greens MP Dr Amanda Cohn, the committee heard accounts of mold infestations, maggots falling from ceilings, rainwater being diverted into bins, a surgeon fainting due to humidity, and alleged falsification of maintenance logs.

The report advises that NSW Health assume ownership and management of the facility as soon as practicable and recommends a review of the Orange and Bathurst hospital partnerships. Premier Chris Minns described the contract as a costly error that cannot be easily reversed, while the Health Services Union called the recommendations a crucial step toward accountability. The state has already begun remedial work, including replacing non-compliant cladding, following the mold discovery.