Tight security around pop star Kylie Minogue's treatment for breast cancer at a Melbourne hospital compromised the care of elderly heart patients, a patient's daughter and a union official said.
The woman said her mother was one of two elderly patients left in the coronary care ward at Cabrini Hospital
where Minogue, 37, underwent surgery last month.
She said eight patients were removed from the ward to make room for Minogue, while security measures hindered access to her mother.
She said a wing of the hospital was cleared the night before Minogue's arrival.
A source close to the hospital confirmed Minogue had the walls of her room painted pink for her stay.
Health Services Union Victorian secretary Jeff Jackson acknowledged the need for special security measures for Minogue to protect her and patients from media intrusion.
"But this was not the way to go."
In a statement, Cabrini chief executive Roger Greenman said the hospital maintained the best care for all patients while coping with intense media and public interest and intrusions by international media.
