NSWNMA General Secretary Michael Whaites said the Association was deeply concerned about maintenance issues across the public hospital system.
“We are aware many of these issues are longstanding and indicative of systemic underfunding, neglect and maintenance backlogs rather than isolated incidents.”
He called for greater investment in the public healthcare system and said the NSWNMA will “continue to advocate for urgent, system wide action to address maintenance failures, strengthen inspection and reporting mechanisms and ensure hospitals meet their work health and safety obligations.”
“Patients have a right to be treated in environments that meet appropriate hygiene and safety standards. If the environment is not safe, the care cannot be safe,” he said.
“Nurses and midwives also have a legal right to safe workplaces, and that includes properly maintained infrastructure.”
Michael was commenting on revelations that two people died and another four became seriously ill in an outbreak of fungal infections among patients at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital transplant unit in Camperdown.
A preliminary assessment found invasive fungal infection was a causative factor in the deaths of the two patients, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The Herald said environmental testing found widespread mould and water damage on at least four floors of the hospital.
Photos attached to the report showed visible mould growing inside plant rooms on levels 4 and 10 of the hospital. The survey also found mould in ceiling vents in the post-natal and staff areas.
The Herald added there were serious mould issues at Cumberland, Wyong, Ryde, and John Hunter hospitals.