The NSW Government has intervened to ensure critical cladding remediation works can begin at the Calvary Mater Newcastle.
Cladding on the hospital's external façade needs to be replaced because it is not compliant with current building standards.
Non‑compliant cladding has also been identified as a contributing factor to some water leaks in parts of the hospital, underscoring the importance of progressing rectification works without further delay.
NSW Health has a partnership arrangement with Novacare to provide facilities management services. Multiple notices of breach have been issued to Novacare relating to the required remediation works. Progress has been repeatedly delayed due to ongoing commercial discussions with Novacare and an acceptable agreement has not been reached.
NSW Health is exercising its rights to have this work undertaken as soon as practicable and permissible under the contract and is now working directly with a building contractor rather than waiting any longer for Novacare to act.
Scaffolding and hoarding have already been erected at the Platt Street end of the South Block and remediation works will commence as soon as practicable.
NSW Health will continue to work with Calvary Mater Newcastle to coordinate the commencement of remediation works, as well as manage any risks and minimise disruption to the hospital until the works are completed.
Separately, pest control issues have now been rectified, and patients have returned to the affected ward at Calvary Mater Newcastle.
Improvement works to the heating ventilation and air-conditioning system started on 14 January 2026. Work with Novacare regarding additional detail and the long-term plan for mould remediation continues.
The NSW Government remains committed to ensuring the continued safety and functionality of the Calvary Mater Newcastle and will take all necessary steps to support timely remediation of the site.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The safety and wellbeing of patients and staff is our highest priority.
"I understand the community's frustration and their desire for action. I want to reassure the community we are taking action to resolve these issues at Calvary Mater Newcastle as quickly as possible.
"The NSW Government has now intervened directly to ensure non-compliant cladding on the hospital's external façade is replaced without further delay.
"Novacare is responsible for the maintenance of the facility, but they have been too slow in planning and progressing the necessary remediation works so the hospital can return to providing care without disruption.
"Unfortunately, we are dealing with a complex contractual arrangement, but we are continuing to examine the contract carefully to determine how we can more strongly compel these private operators to meet their obligations."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery MP:
"I welcome this intervention from NSW Health and Minister Park to deal with this previously untenable situation.
"We cannot tolerate any lack of action in our main oncology hospital for Newcastle and the Hunter.
"I will continue to work with the Minister to ensure the best outcomes for the hospital are met. I thank the staff, the Nurses and Midwives Association and the Health Services Union for their ongoing advocacy.
"We must ensure our community has confidence in their local Hospitals."
Background about the Cavalry Mater Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District partnership:
Calvary Mater Newcastle is a public hospital operated by Calvary Health Care, an affiliated health organisation under the Health Services Act, that delivers public patient services under a service agreement with Hunter New England Local Health District.
Through this arrangement, the District funds Calvary to provide essential public health services under a purchaser-provider model, consistent with how public hospital services are funded across NSW.
The hospital campus itself is owned by Calvary Healthcare and leased to Health Administration Corporation (HAC), in line with whole-of-government arrangements that separate the ownership and management of health assets from the delivery of healthcare services.
In 2005, HAC entered into a public-private partnership with Novacare to build and manage the Mater campus. Under this agreement, facilities management services are provided to support the operation of the hospital, including non-clinical services such as cleaning and catering, as well as the maintenance and management of the physical buildings and infrastructure.
Hunter New England Local Health District represents HAC in overseeing this arrangement and works with its partners to ensure the campus is maintained in a safe and fit-for-purpose condition to support the delivery of patient care.
