Sarah Courtney,Minister for Health
The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government is pleased to accept possession of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s K-Block.
The $689 million project has been one of the most significant hospital infrastructure developments in Tasmania’s history, and we have maintained a strong position that additional works would need to be undertaken by the contractor for the Government to take possession.
While rectification of minor defects was always anticipated, water quality and noise were issues requiring further investigation, and prevented the Government from taking possession previously.
Based on the additional work undertaken by the contractor, further documentation provided and the expert advice we have received, we are confident the outstanding water quality and noise issues can be addressed during the three-month operational commissioning phase.
With the ongoing challenge of coronavirus, we need to ensure this part of the redevelopment is operational as soon as practically possible, so our Tasmanian health professionals and patients have access to this state of the art building.
That’s why we are focused and committed to completing operational commissioning as fast as we can, while minimising any impact on existing services. The Government and the THS will work closely with our outstanding staff as we look at how this is best undertaken.
There are a small number of locations where flushing and testing of the water system will continue during the operational commissioning stage, as part of the compliance verification process with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Alternative drinking water will be provided to operational commissioning staff and contractors until then.
Adjustments will be made to the air conditioning system and managed soundly to ensure they do not disrupt the operational commissioning process.
We will continue to work closely with the builder on the rectification of these outstanding matters during the operational commissioning period.
The safety and wellbeing of employees will not be jeopardised by the rectification works.
