No need for river bans Hospital denies damage

By Jo Kennett

NSW HEALTH Infrastructure has denied reports that building materials containing black mould were put into the new hospital and then had to be removed.

The Weekly has been contacted by and spoken to several people who said that building materials for the Tweed Valley Hospital, currently under construction by Lendlease, were left out in the open, uncovered, for weeks on end.

Those residents said the materials, used for the interiors, were put straight into the new hospital building before having to be removed due to the growth of black mould.

The Weekly contacted Health Infrastructure to ask if they were aware of the problem and if NSW Health Infrastructure was being charged extra by Lendlease to replace the materials.

The department was also asked if the removal of material would delay the opening of the hospital.

A Health Infrastructure spokesperson said the claims were not true.

“The Tweed Valley Hospital remains on target to open to patients in late 2023,” the spokes - person said.

“Safety is the number one priority and Health Infrastructure and its contractor Lendlease are committed to ensuring the health and safety of workers and the community.

“No defective materials have been installed in the Tweed Valley Hospital development.

“During 2022 there was unprecedented wet weather conditions, which resulted in minor water damage to some internal finishes within the building.

“The affected areas were isolated, and hygienists were engaged to rectify the issues.

“Damaged materials were removed and replaced in accordance with legislative requirements.”

The Weekly also contacted Lendlease but received no response in time for print.