health
February 27, 2026
NSW government denies ‘covering up’ deadly fungal outbreak at major hospital
Health minister says cluster of infections at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred hospital was not publicised to avoid ‘unnecessarily scaring people’
TL;DR
- Two patients died and four were affected by a fungal outbreak of aspergillus at Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) hospital's transplant unit in late 2025.
- NSW Health Minister Ryan Park denied a cover-up, stating communication was prioritized with patients and families to avoid unnecessary fear.
- Construction on a $940m hospital redevelopment is suspected of stirring up mould spores, leading to the outbreak.
- The transplant unit was closed temporarily, and air testing revealed elevated aspergillus levels.
- Opposition criticized the government for not disclosing the outbreak for three months, demanding transparency.
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