Queensland Health to investigate WBHHS over disturbing claims

Queensland Health has confirmed it has launched an investigation into claims of death and injury resulting from alleged malpractice at a major hospital.

Queensland Health has announced it will investigate claims raised around medication management and patient safety at Bundaberg Hospital.

The announcement comes weeks after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited Bundaberg to announce funding for the region’s new hospital and two months after patient advocate Beryl Crosby came forward with claims that nurses were exposing patients to deadly risks.

At the time, Burnett MP Stephen Bennett publicised Ms Crosby’s concerns that dementia patients were allegedly being given “large doses” of Endone to keep them quiet and one man’s health had declined and he later died.

The health service told the public on June 29 four staff had been dealt with in relation to two separate incidents at the hospital.

One Bundaberg Hospital nurse was sacked, while three others were disciplined.

“We took swift and firm action and followed the due process that led to disciplinary action of four nurses,” Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service chief executive Debbie Carroll said at the time.

On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced Queensland Health would conduct an investigation into matters raised around medication management and patient safety at medical wards in Bundaberg Hospital.

The investigation follows an earlier review by the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in 2021, and will further examine more recent claims made by patient advocates.

Queensland Health Acting Director-General Shaun Drummond said he had decided to commission a Clinical Review and Health Service Investigation as the matters raised warranted further investigation, which the department would now do, in partnership with the hospital and health service.

“The Wide Bay HHS has reviewed the health system practices, streamlined processes, reported appropriately to external authorities and initiated disciplinary measures where necessary,” Mr Drummond said in a statement

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk visited Bundaberg in recent weeks to announce a funding for the new hospital. Photo Paul Beutel

“To date, there has been no confirmed substantial evidence of patient harm or death regarding these serious allegations.

“While no substantial evidence has been found, the department will further investigate the claims that have been made.

“It would be remiss of us to not work together to better understand if there are systematic issues that can be addressed after these claims were brought to light.

“A dedicated employee feedback line and online staff submission form have been established, so any current or former employees with direct knowledge of any issues can raise them, anonymously if they wish.”

The results and findings of the Clinical Review and Health Service Investigation will be announced at a date yet to be determined.

Patient advocate Beryl Crosby aired disturbing claims about Bundaberg Hospital.

A ‘huge win’ for justice: Burnett MP

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the investigation was a “huge win” for patient advocacy and justice.

“Those who have raised the issue of unprescribed medication being given to dementia patients will now be able to provide their accounts anonymously if they with and without fear of losing their jobs,” he said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon

“They will finally be given the respect they deserve and will be heard without prejudice.

“We need to make sure that people can have their say on the culture and cover-ups.”

Mr Bennett said it was vital to get to the bottom of any issues, but said an investigation should have been called earlier.

“I’m disgusted by how long the department, the Minister for Health and the Member for Bundaberg took to admit there was a problem,” he said.

Mr Bennett outside Bundaberg Hospital.

“For months Mr Smith refused to acknowledge the issue or back my calls for an investigation.

“Instead, he politicised the matter, feeding the rotten culture that exists within Queensland Health.

“I’m calling on the Member for Bundaberg to apologise to the patients, families, advocates, and staff who showed such courage and bravery by speaking up.

“It’s time for the Member for Bundaberg to stop fighting me and stand with me to serve the people he supposedly represents.”

Mr Bennett thanked those who had helped push for the investigation.

“Without your strength, determination, and bravery, this investigation might never have happened,” he said.

“On behalf of our community, thank you.

“I will continue to keep everyone informed on the process as the investigation progresses and information starts to come to light.”