After two patients died as a result of a fungal outbreak in Sydney, a review of hospital maintenance has revealed disturbing infestations embedded in multiple facilities – including a major hospital in New England.
Outbreaks of cockroaches, possums, birds and insects at major hospitals have been revealed after two deaths prompted a sweeping maintenance review.
These include ongoing pigeon infestations and mould in ICU and operating theatres at Tamworth Hospital.
NSW Parliament health budget estimates revealed this morning that mould in the ICU and operating theatres in Tamworth is related to leaks in the roof, and was repeatedly reported between 2023 and 2025. Officials said a remediation plan is being developed after the maintenance team in Tamworth had repaired issues multiple times.
Pigeon issues at Tamworth have been reported for many years, and a comprehensive pigeon management plan has been developed and is being implemented, including spikes, repairs, and various measures to deal with droppings and related issues.
Outbreaks of pests and fungus dating back more than a decade that were never reported have also been unearthed after NSW Health Minister Ryan Park detailed the results of a snap maintenance review on Monday.
The reckoning of the state’s health facilities comes after two patients died of fungal infections triggered by construction work at a major Sydney hospital.
There are 38 non-routine maintenance issues still unresolved from the last year, Mr Park said.
There was a total of 9 issues identified in the Hunter New England health district, 5 of which have been resolved and 4 are still being rectified.
“I can never pledge that there will never be maintenance issues. Any government that does is not being realistic or truthful,” Mr Park said.
“Sometimes an issue may require different expertise to … consider if any further building maintenance work is required, which can take time.”
As well as current maintenance problems, the snap probe identified a number of major infestations in the past decade that were never reported.
The spotlight on the state of NSW hospitals has intensified after two patients died and several others became ill after being exposed to a fungal outbreak at Royal Prince Alfred hospital.
The cause of the infection was Aspergillus, a common mould found in soil, dust and damp environments.
The hospital confirmed six patients in its transplant unit were affected by the fungal cluster in late 2025.
Health authorities indicated that construction works linked to a $940 million redevelopment at the hospital were the cause of the fungal infections.
People are unlikely to become unwell from Aspergillus but it can be particularly damaging for certain individuals with weakened immune systems, a Sydney Local Health District spokesman previously said.
The news of issues at hospitals across the state going undisclosed to the public follows Hunter New England Health’s refusal to provide numbers or details on how often New England hospitals are going without doctors, and how often local patients are being transferred away from their home town for often routine care.
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