Mackay Base Hospital board given ultimatum by Health Minister Yvette D’Ath over toxic workplace, ‘systematic’ failures

The Health Minister has given the board of an entire Queensland hospital a deadline to provide more information on why they shouldn’t all be sacked over a toxic workplace culture and “systematic” failures.

The board of Mackay Hospital and Health Service have been asked to provide more information on why they shouldn’t all be sacked, with Health Mnister Yvette D’Ath giving them until November 4 to respond.

The board of the Mackay HHS were presented a show cause noticed on September 30 after a report into the obstetrics and gynaecology department at the hospital revealed a toxic workplace culture and significant failings that had permanently harmed women.

Ms D’Ath on Friday issued a statement saying the needed more information from the board but did not detail why this was necessary.

The results of an investigation revealed earlier this month that a toxic workplace culture and “systematic” failures throughout Mackay Base Hospital led to botched surgeries and inadequate care that left three babies dead and dozens of women physically and mentally scarred for life.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

Ms D’Ath handed down the independent report in a conference room within the hospital closed off to the public, describing the revelations as “damning” and said she was “deeply sorry” for the harm caused to the women and their families.

“No family should ever have to experience the devastation of the loss of a child and certainly not under these circumstances,” she said.

“Our health system can and must do better.”

Opposition spokesperson for Health Ros Bates called for Ms D’Ath to be held accountable.

“The catastrophic failings at Mackay Hospital happened on the Minister’s watch,” she said.

“The Minister must be held accountable for these failures.

“The lives of these women and their families have been changed forever. They deserve justice.

“We will continue to hold the embattled Health Minister accountable until these women and their families get the justice they deserve.”