- State Government confirms that the Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) will not open until it is safe to do so
- Replacement of brass fittings proceeding to address lead contamination in potable water
- Public Accounts Committee hearings aim to shine a light on management and oversight of the PCH project
At today's Public Accounts Committee hearing the Perth Children's Hospital builder, John Holland, gave evidence towards the inquiry into the management and oversight of the Perth Children's Hospital project.
The State Government rejects John Holland's assertion that lead contamination in the Perth Children's Hospital has been caused by the incoming water supply to the new hospital.
As recommended by the Chief Health Officer, Professor Tarun Weeramanthri, work to replace fittings within the hospital is progressing and commissioning activities continue.
Sick children are one of the most vulnerable cohort of patients in the health system. The State Government again confirms the Perth Children's Hospital will not open until the Chief Health Officer determines it is safe to do so under his statutory obligations.
The State Government continues to work alongside its dedicated health staff to resolve the remaining issues at the Perth Children's Hospital.
Once opened, the Perth Children's Hospital will be a state-of-the-art facility, which will provide world-class care to Western Australian children.
The Public Accounts Committee is due to hand down a report of its findings next month.
Comments attributed to Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The people of WA will see through commercial self-interest and excuses. We had asbestos on site, lead in the water and a project that is two years late.
"It is absolutely necessary to hold off the opening of the hospital until it is safe to do so.
"We've said time and time again that without taking practical completion of the project, we would not have gotten to the root of the lead contamination problem. We are fixing it and getting on with the commissioning of the hospital."
Comments attributed to Treasurer Ben Wyatt:
"The dead leg and ring main have been definitively ruled out as sources of lead.
"Unlike John Holland, the Government has released a wealth of technical evidence that conclusively shows the source of ongoing, elevated lead levels in the PCH drinking water is leaching from brass fittings."
Health Minister's office - 6552 6500
Treasurer's office - 6552 5900
