A massive air conditioning failure destroyed more than $30,000 worth of drugs at the newly built Sunshine Coast University Hospital in Queensland last week.
According to the local Gympie Times newspaper, Sunshine Coast University Hospital CEO, Kevin Hegarty, said the incident will not be a financial burden for taxpayers because it is covered by insurance.
“The hospital is working with Exemplar Health to ensure patient safety and care is maintained,” he said.
Air-conditioning systems at the hospital, he said, are being continually tested which is a “complex job”.
"The sheer size and complexity of the hospital - a surface area equal to around 100 football fields - means it takes time to regulate the temperature balance of the facility," Hegarty said.
"Technicians are continually testing and improving the ventilation until it is satisfactory.
"We are undertaking commissioning to ensure the hospital is safe and ready for patients when it opens."
The hospital opens its doors to patients in April.