Potentially deadly legionella bacteria has been found in water samples at the trouble-plagued Perth Children's Hospital, raising questions about whether the facility will open as scheduled.
An email leaked to media revealed 45 of 100 samples taken in April contained the bacteria.
The $1.2 billion hospital, which will replace the ageing Princess Margaret Hospital and was originally scheduled to open in August 2015, is due to open outpatient clinics on May 14, with first elective surgery to follow a fortnight later.
On June 10, the last patients at PMH are to be moved to the new hospital and children at the Bentley Adolescent Unit will be transferred within a week of that date.
Health Minister Roger Cook says the discovery of "above desirable levels" of bacteria is evidence of a rigorous testing regime.
He said the hospital remained on track to open for inpatients on June 10 when the PMH closes.
"This testing will ensure the hospital is safe to open," Mr Cook said in a statement on Saturday.
"I have every confidence in the Department of Health who will manage the situation.
"At no point will patient, staff or public safety be compromised."
Shadow Health Minister Sean L'Estrange accused the state government of lacking transparency.
"It's clear to us an issue of this seriousness would have been communicated to the minister when the hospital found out," Mr L'Estrange told reporters.
He questioned whether the facility would open on time.
Major problems encountered during construction included asbestos in ceiling panels, non-compliant fire doors and lead in the drinking water.
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