Mr. Barr said the mould had been growing in the roof above the staff and ancillary wing for at least 18 months and hospital management had not been able to rectify the situation because of a lack of money.

A Hunter New England Health spokeswoman admitted mould had been discovered in the wing – known as the Drinkwater Building – but said it had appeared two years ago after heavy rain. She said the roof had been repaired, the mould removed and the building was safe for staff.

The spokeswoman said there had not been any further reports of mould and Hunter New England Health staff members regularly monitored the area. 

Mr. Barr rejected the comments and said it was still a problem as recently as Labor’s tour of 30 hospitals including Cessnock and Kurri in August this year. 

Hunter union delegates have raised concerns about a range of problems at Maitland, Kurri and Cessnock hospitals in recent months and Opposition Leader John Robertson and Mr. Barr have been shocked about the lack of maintenance at the facilities. 

Mr. Barr wrote to Health Minister Jillian Skinner last week expressing his disgust at the lack of money to fix the mould problem.

He has requested the situation be rectified and that if there was to be any delay he wanted the staff and ancillary operations moved to another building because he was concerned about the long-term health impacts. 

 “The effect on the lungs and the respiratory system as a result of being exposed to mould is concerning,” Mr. Barr said. 

“I want to know when this is going to be fixed ... hospitals should be a safe environment.”