Bendigo hospital kitchen to partially close for rectification work for mould, water damage

An independent hygienist has done weekly testing since the mould problem was discovered and no health risks have been discovered.

Bendigo Health will not foot the cost of any of the repairs.

EARLIER: The kitchen at Bendigo Health will be partially closed as work to fix a mould problem gets under way.

The Bendigo Advertiser reported in April that mould arising from water damage had been discovered within the walls of the kitchen at the Bendigo hospital, which opened in January 2017.

It has since been confirmed that part of the kitchen will have to close for work to fix the issue.

"Works to resolve a maintenance issue involving waterproofing in the kitchen of the new Bendigo hospital are expected to commence next month," a spokesperson from Lendlease, the company that built the hospital, said.

"Our team is working closely with service providers, Spotless, to ensure there is minimal impact to hospital operations."

Water damage was also discovered in the administration area, but the damage was isolated to this and the kitchen.

The mould was also contained within sealed wall cavities.

In April, Spotless' facilities director at Bendigo Health Brendan Chalmers said the mould was tested and was of no risk to health.

It is understood weekly testing has since been undertaken and no issues have been identified.

Spotless has been contacted for comment.

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