There is no harmful fibreglass used in the walls or the air ducting at Palmerston Hospital as reported in media today. Advice from the supplier is that the old style fibreglass that was considered harmful was phased out in 2002.

Foil has separated from some sections of the internal mechanical duct work and not the walls. 

Glasswool is an industry standard bio-soluble product, is not harmful and has no long term health effects.

The results of ongoing air sampling testing confirms that the air quality at the hospital remains at a high standard.

There is no health risk to workers or patients regarding air quality or repair works at Palmerston Regional Hospital.

The issues were discovered during routine commissioning inspections.

The Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics and its contractor are working to rectify this issue and it will be carried out in isolated stages to minimise any impact to patients and staff.

These repairs will be undertaken by Lendlease and their contractor in a safe manner and at no cost to the Northern Territory Government.

97 per cent of works completed at the Palmerston Regional Hospital were delivered by local contractors, including the installation of air conditioning.

Media - 0437 868 115