The long-running lead saga at Perth Children’s Hospital has finally been resolved, clearing the way for the $1.2 billion facility to open in May.
The State Government has confirmed WA’s chief health officer has given the all-clear for the hospital to open, following nearly three years of delays which have cost the state more than $115 million.
That includes more than $20 million in compensation payments for the operators of the empty hospital car park.
The decision to approve the facility’s opening followed the results of water testing, showing the levels of lead to be below the maximum allowance.
The lead contamination in drinking water was one of several problems that have plagued the hospital’s construction.
That is an improvement from last June, when just 74 per cent of tests produced acceptable results.
"The public can be absolutely guaranteed that there are safe levels of lead in water at the children’s hospital," he said.
John Holland has long disputed the fittings were the cause of the problem, repeatedly claiming the issue was coming from outside the hospital.
The Government believes it is entitled for substantial compensation from John Holland for the delays.
Public open day planned for April Approximately 300 staff are already stationed permanently on the PCH site and have been drinking from bottled water since the lead issue emerged.