Mackay Base Hospital obstetrics and gynaecology report still not released

The long-awaited investigation report into complaints at Mackay Base Hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department has finally been delivered but there are fears the full report will never be released to the public.

An investigation into Mackay Base Hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology departments has finally been delivered but it could be weeks before the general public views it, if ever.

Serious concerns were first raised about caesarean complications in October last year, with claims including cut arteries during birthing.

The report’s release has been repeatedly delayed with the hospital most recently saying the document would be delivered in August.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service chief executive Lisa Davies Jones, who finishes on Friday after resigning from her role, said she received the final report from the independent external investigators on Thursday afternoon.

“I would like to thank the women, our staff and other community members who have contributed to this investigation,” she said.

“Once the report has been received, the health service will then consider the report before releasing any outcomes and actions.

“I am committed to sharing the outcomes and actions of the investigation once I receive the final report and take time to review it thoroughly.

“We expect this will take a number of weeks and will continue to keep you updated.”

MHHS chief executive Lisa Davies Jones. Picture: Elizabeth Andrews

Opposition spokeswoman for health Ros Bates said the report should be released in full.

“It comes nearly one year after the first harrowing stories broke of Mackay mothers suffering significant birthing complications – many of them life changing,” she said in Mackay on Thursday.

“The public have waited far too long for this report to be released.

“The decision to keep it hidden from the public absolutely reeks of politics.

“We know the findings of the report must be significant because two doctors were dismissed for their involvement.

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“This saga can’t go on indefinitely. It’s time to see the report, every last word, so the mothers of Mackay can have confidence in their hospital.”

Last week, Ms Davies Jones expressed dismay as she advised MHHS was “still waiting to receive the final report from the independent investigation”.

“We had previously been advised it would be provided by the end of August,” she said then.

“I will now be contacting the independent external investigators for an update on the status of the final report.

Dr Mary Sidebotham, a Professor of Midwifery at Griffith University with 35 years’ experience as a midwife and nurse, was appointed to review the obstetrics and gynaecology surgical services.

Dr Sidebotham was instrumental in developing maternity services and designing midwifery education programs in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Dr Sidebotham will work with previously announced Professor Ted Weaver, a senior medical officer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and Associate Professor Dr Greg Duncombe, a clinical director of maternal fetal medicine at SCUH, for the hospital review.

Clinical Associate Professor Greg Duncombe and Professor Edward Weaver were commissioned to lead the investigation, which began in November 2021, into women’s claims.

Dr Sidebotham and consumer representative Leah Hardiman are also part of the investigation panel.

Mackay Base Hospital is still waiting for the release of a report into its obstetrics and gynaecology department from independent investigators. Picture: Liam Kidston

Queensland’s Health Ombudsman banned Mackay Base Hospital’s former obstetrics and gynaecology director from practising surgery following a chorus of patient complaints about caesarean complications.

Under conditions from the state’s health watchdog, Dr George Campbell Du Toit is also not able to “provide or have any involvement” in the care or treatment of pregnant women at any stage during labour and immediately after birth.

Dr Du Toit must also “not be the most senior person rostered on any shift when practising as a registered health practitioner”.

The conditions will be in place until they are either the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal sets it aside or the Health Ombudsman removes it.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service suspended Dr Du Toit in October 2021 pending the outcome of an independent review and he resigned from the hospital in Mackay this year.

This came after a string of women lodged complaints.

Mackay mother Amy Puddy was among numerous women to come forward about her experience at the hospital when her first child Nate Andersen was born in March 2021.

Amy Puddy, 32, with baby Nate Andersen who was born at Mackay Base Hospital on March 23, 2021. Ms Puddy says her artery was cut during a caesarean. Picture: Contributed

Ms Puddy, 32, said the days leading up to the birth were spent in increasing pain as she lost fluids – something she was told was normal.

By the fourth day, Ms Puddy and her partner Trent Andersen were back at Mackay Base Hospital where a midwife told her that while she and baby Nate were OK, the meconium carried a high risk of infection.

“From the moment I entered the birthing room, I cannot fault the midwives – they were unreal.”