Hospital plans hazy

State not committing to opening date until ‘fit for purpose’

THE State Government is refusing to be pinned down on an opening date for the new wing of the Royal Hobart Hospital, despite commissioning due to begin this month.

In a statement described as “vague and troubling” by Labor, Premier Peter Gutwein said yesterday the Government would not take possession of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s redeveloped KBlock until it was fit for purpose.

Completion of the new block has been “imminent” for some time and Mr Gutwein said he was still confident there would be movement by the end of the month.

A Health Department spokesman last week said there was “no update” on tests of drinking water in the building — which unions say contains high levels of lead.

Mr Gutwein said the Government would not sign off on a substandard build.

“My understanding is we’re working through that process in terms of trying to achieve practical completion but our position hasn’t changed on that: we will not accept the hospital that’s not fit for purpose.

“The advice hasn’t changed in terms of hoping that we can achieve practical completion and move to operational commissioning by the end of this month.”

Claims about high levels of lead in the new hospital’s drinking water has slowed the development, but Mr Gutwein said he would “not go into the details” about whether that was the cause of the ongoing delay. And he would not be drawn on whether the Government was considering legal action.

“Without going into the detail of it, the state will obviously ensure that its rights under the contract are maintained and protected and that will exercise any contractual arrangements that we need to.

“Once practical completion is available, then we’ll move to the operational phase and commission.

“And my advice is that will be later this month.”

Under its contract with the State Government on the RHH redevelopment, managing contractor John Holland Fairbrother Joint Venture could incur damages 30 days after the date for practical completion – which was December 2018.

The penalties were $17,000 a day, rising to $35,000 a day after 60 days.

Opposition health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said Mr Gutwein’s language around the RHH was concerning.

“Peter Gutwein’s language today is vague and that’s troubling. All Tasmanians want from him is a clear commitment as to when the new building will open, and when the beds that come with it will be available,” Ms Lovell said.

“There are only two options here – the building is ready or it’s not. Every day that the new building is not open, Tasmanians continue to suffer.

“If there’s a reason the Government can’t occupy the building, that should be explained to Tasmanians, along with a clear plan to resolve any issues. If there’s no issue with the building, then why has Government not taken it over?”