Roof repairs and broader maintenance issues at several Northern Rivers hospitals have been flagged in a state-wide review of NSW’s public health system.

Five non-routine issues have been identified within the Northern NSW Local Health District, including roof rectification works at four facilities across the region. Mitigations are in place, with planning underway for upgrades.

The local health district has confirmed that some older facilities require significant repairs or replacement works, including ceiling, roof, window and façade repairs at Casino and District Memorial Hospital, Murwillumbah District Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital and Grafton Base Hospital.

A spokesperson for Northern NSW Local Health District said monitoring and maintenance is ongoing.

“The safety and wellbeing of patients and staff is our highest priority,” the spokesperson said.

“Monitoring of facilities for signs of mould, water and pest infestation is continually undertaken across Northern NSW Local Health District, as part of routine asset maintenance practice.”

“Mould can occur in any complex building, including hospitals. When mould is detected, it should be reported, promptly assessed and safely treated, based on rigorous procedures, to ensure patient and staff safety.”

Where issues are identified, affected areas are isolated and repairs undertaken in consultation with SafeWork NSW and consulting engineers. The District also stated there is no indication that ongoing mould management has caused illness to patients or staff.

The local findings form part of a broader “snap review” ordered this week by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, examining serious or non-routine maintenance matters across the state’s 220 hospitals.

Statewide, 112 issues have been identified over the past year - 74 resolved, 32 being rectified and six under closer investigation. The review remains ongoing.

Mr Park said the size and age of the health system makes it unrealistic to promise there will never be maintenance challenges.

“With over 4,000 buildings under NSW Health, including 220 hospitals, of varying ages… it is unrealistic to pledge that there will never be maintenance issues,” he said.

“I’ve got to be upfront, I can never pledge that there will not be maintenance issues. Any government that does is not being realistic or truthful.

“But I can pledge that the health system will work as quickly as possible to rectify them.”

However, the announcement has drawn criticism from the Opposition.

Shadow Health Minister Sarah Mitchell said the review was a reaction to pressure.

“The NSW public health system is literally falling apart on Ryan Park’s watch,” she said.

“Ryan Park called a snap review into the health system only after widespread maintenance and cleanliness issues were brought to light by the NSW Opposition.

“This review is entirely reactive, and quite frankly, outlines failings and issues that should’ve been dealt with already.”

 “Patients go to hospital for treatment and care, not to be put in further danger due to toxic mould, or conditions caused by bird droppings and dead pigeons in roof cavities and air-conditioning units.

“Hygiene in hospitals is paramount and my heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones to these illnesses.

“My genuine fear is this is the tip of the iceberg and there is more to be uncovered. I sincerely hope not.”

For communities across Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers, the review places local hospital infrastructure under renewed scrutiny. With roof works and broader repairs now formally acknowledged, attention will turn to how quickly upgrades are delivered, and to ensuring facilities remain safe and reliable for patients and staff.