A submission to a NSW Parliamentary inquiry has detailed allegations of cover‑ups and threats against workers who raised safety concerns at Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle.
The Health Services Union (HSU) says members reported a “sweep it under the rug” culture linked to the Novacare consortium, which holds the private maintenance contract at the public hospital. According to the submission, whistleblowers claimed they were pressured to soften reports highlighting serious risks and that some documentation was altered to minimise problems.
HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes said staff had been raising concerns for almost a decade, with some workers facing intimidation or the threat of losing their jobs if they escalated safety issues.
“It’s disturbing behaviour from a contractor that puts profit over people, creating unsafe conditions for staff and patients,” he said.
Maintenance failures at the hospital, including mould outbreaks and potable water issues, have been well documented. The union says rectification of the water system was delayed on cost grounds, prompting SafeWork and the Health Minister to intervene and take control of repairs.
The submission urges the state government to launch an independent investigation into alleged bullying, harassment and retaliation by Honeywell and Novacare management. It also calls for an independent audit of all maintenance and rectification works and the creation of a safe reporting pathway for healthcare workers.
It comes as the State Government announced cladding repairs and independent assessors will begin on-site inspections next week, focusing on HVAC systems and the condition of buildings.
