WBHHS CEO Debbie Carroll praises Bundaberg Hospital report

Bundaberg Hospital’s CEO and board chair have spoken out regarding the findings of a report into concerning claims including overdosing of drugs and death.

Hospital CEO Debbie Carroll has praised hospital report findings.

The findings of an investigation into Bundaberg Hospital has found no evidence of patient harm.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Debbie Carroll and board chair Peta Jamieson have released a statement on the Clinical Review and Health Service Investigation on Tuesday, which was prompted by concerns of medication mismanagement at Bundaberg Hospital.

Prior to the investigation, Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett and patient advocate Beryl Crosby had raised concerns that dementia patients were being given too much Endone and that one man’s health had declined and he later died.

Concerns around the hospital led for calls for the CEO and board to be sacked.

Ms Carroll and Ms Jamieson say the findings reveal no evidence of patient harm.

“We can assure the community that the report and its findings clearly state that there were no incidents of patient harm or death associated with these allegations,” her statement read.

“This finding extends to all individual patient cases identified by a community member, both in the public domain and with the review team.

“WBHHS thoroughly reviewed our medication process as soon as we discovered potential concerns during a routine audit and carried out swift and comprehensive action prior to the review and its recommendations.”

Ms Carroll said the hospital was taking the opportunity to improve processes.

“We are committed to implementing a detailed action plan in response to the review findings and recommendations,” she said.

“While the investigation found that the policies and procedures at Bundaberg Hospital were adequate, we have taken this opportunity to further strengthen and streamline processes and areas for improvement.”

Ms Jamieson said patient safety was the top priority.

“WBHHS is committed to providing high-quality, clinically safe services to our patients and community, and our action plan will enhance quality improvement initiatives,” she said.

“We encourage staff to speak up for safety, and reinforce to the community that WBHHS takes all concerns seriously.”

Anyone with concerns can contact the hospital’s Clinical Governance Support Unit on 4184 1824 or email [e-mail]