This week, NSW Health confirmed two people died in a ‘fungal cluster’at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) last year.
The source of the infection has been identified as aspergillus, a common mould sometimes associated with construction sites.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged that redevelopments at RPA “may be a possible source.”
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Mitchell has accused the Government of “covering up” the incident.
Background
RPA is one of the largest hospitals in the country. In 2023, construction began on the Sydney hospital’s redevelopment.
Aspergillus is a common mould found in environments such as soil and compost. Building sites can increase in the spread of aspergillus spores.
Inhaling these spores can cause lung infections, particularly for people with compromised immune systems, such as those recovering from an organ transplant. Doctors prescribe immune system suppressing drugs to lower the chances of the body rejecting the new organ.
Outbreak
From October to December last year, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) identified the spread of a fungal infection in the RPA transplant ward.
Last month, testing identified the fungi as aspergillus.
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This week, SLHD shared that six transplant patients were part of the fungal infection cluster, resulting in the death of two of these patients.
The ABC reported the deaths occurred on 5 and 19 November.
SLHD said “before the full extent of the cluster was known” it moved patients, cleaned the ward, upgraded filters, and administered anti-fungal treatments.
In documents seen by TDA, NSW Health wrote that the contamination may be linked to construction activity.
An investigation has been underway since the infection was identified.
SLDH said: “NSW Health and its construction industry partners remain committed to the highest standards of safety and will implement any learnings from this investigation.”
An advisory group deemed the ward safe to reopen on 9 February.
Comments
Health Minister Ryan Park said RPA “acted swiftly and comprehensively to both identify the potential cause” and “to prevent risk to others.”
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Mitchell has accused the Government of “cover[ing] this up for the past three months”.
“The staff, patients and families of those who lost their lives deserve transparency,” Mitchell added.
