Following further air sampling undertaken in the Pathology Building at Alice Springs Hospital, a report has been provided by Site Environmental and Remediation Services, licensed asbestos hygienists stating:

“Based on anecdotal evidence it is not probable that the level of asbestos contained within settled dust represented by the sampling undertaken would procure any disturbance an exceedance of the Occupational Exposure Level (OEL) as defined within the Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminates Date of Effect 18th April 2013 for Asbestos of 0.1f/mL.”

The air sampling in the workspace has been within limits as per the Occupational Exposure Level of 0.1fibres/mL.

This means that for patients and staff who accessed the workspaces of the pathology building there is no evidence of risk of exposure to asbestos.

The Alice Springs Hospital is distributing letters to identified patients today to advise of the outcome of the report.

The Pathology laboratory remains closed, pending the removal of asbestos from the ceiling space. Pathology services continue to be available through on-site sampling with available equipment, urgent samples being sent to Western Pathology, twice daily flights to Tennant Creek for semi urgent samples and daily courier to Royal Darwin Hospital. A temporary laboratory at Alice Springs Hospital is being established and will be operational within the week.

Media contact: Gail Liston - 08 8951 5111 or 0476 839 383