Wall collapse at Toll warehouse forces closure, raising concerns over Queensland’s vaccine supply
Structural damage to a vaccine storage facility used by Queensland Health could take months to repair, raising fears of stock shortages and delays to vaccination programmes.
A large section of the loading dock floor and adjacent retaining wall collapsed at Toll Group’s healthcare distribution center at Richlands, west of Brisbane, in late December, forcing the closure of the warehouse due to safety concerns.
The $10 million custom-designed facility is being used by Queensland Health and biotechnology multinational CSL to store and distribute vaccines and medicines, and is due to open in 2023.
Toll set up a temporary storage facility following the collapse, but the incident caused delays in vaccine deliveries, including childhood vaccines offered through the National Immunization Programme.
An Australian Medical Association Queensland spokesperson said they were “aware of some practices experiencing difficulties accessing vaccines and have requested an urgent update from Queensland Health”.
Queensland Health said providers should not worry about accessing vaccine stock.
“Following an incident at Toll’s storage facility, we took immediate action to prevent any disruption to vaccine supply and Toll has established a temporary facility in Victoria to support the Queensland vaccination programme,” a Queensland Health spokesperson said.
“Incoming orders are being prioritized according to the most urgent need, and distribution is expected to return to normal soon.”
Queensland Health said stocks were stored safely with appropriate temperature control until access could be co-ordinated. The department was working with Toll to ensure access to the Richlands site as quickly as possible.
However, the extent of structural damage is extensive and engineering assessments will be required to determine how and when the warehouse can return to business as usual with access to the site closed indefinitely.
A CSL spokesman said the damage to the facility did not impact the supply chain, given the company was primarily focused on flu vaccines, which are not required for at least two months in preparation for the winter period.
“The supply of CSL products to healthcare professionals and patients has not been affected as we are able to source them from within our network,” the spokesperson said.
Toll has been contacted for comment.
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