Asbestos anxieties

Pittwater residents group Save Mona Vale Hospital has expressed concerns over NSW Health’s process of asbestos removal at the Mona Vale hospital site.

Parry Thomas, chairman of the group, issued a statement in September claiming locals were not alerted to the presence of asbestos prior to the demolition works.

According to Thomas, a letter received by residents the week prior to the commencement of construction advising them of the works did not mention planned asbestos removal.

“Most people expect their neighbours to let them know when they’re removing asbestos – to give you a chance to at least close the windows,” Mr Thomas says in the statement.

“But the government appears to be carrying out these demolitions without giving due notice.

“Everything about this demolition shows a complete contempt for the community.”

However, in a statement provided to Peninsula Living, NSW Health Infrastructure maintained that it had followed standard process in accordance with statutory requirements in the wording of the letter.

A spokesperson stated that licensed experts in asbestos-containing material management, identification, remediation and disposal have been tasked with handling the works.

“The health and safety of our staff, patients, families and visitors is a top priority for Mona Vale Hospital,” the spokesperson says.

“A detailed process including isolation of work areas, establishing exclusion zones, air monitoring and appropriate disposal to a licensed facility is in place to ensure the safety of staff and the community.

“These exclusion zones will be back from the main construction site fence line that you will walk past or see.”