Mackay Hospital review: Pathway for mother’s to claim compensation
Mackay mums who have had horror birthing or post-op experiences at the city’s under-the-microscope obstetrics and gynaecology units are urged to seek legal advice.
Mackay
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Mackay mums suffering physical and psychological injuries linked to caesarean complications have just days to lodge a complaint against Mackay Hospital as the deadline to fast track compensation claims draws near.
But a lawyer has urged the women to seek independent legal advice before the September 30 deadline.
This follows the release of a final report following an external investigation into the hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department after a string of women lodged complaints.
In late 2021 Mackay Hospital and Health Service announced it had already put in place a Consumer Case Management Pathway for those who had provided feedback about their obstetrics and gynaecology care.
The pathway is a “voluntary ‘opt in’ pathway that provides the opportunity for any woman who has come forward to have their medical care externally reviewed by an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and midwife (if appropriate)”.
Shine Lawyers special counsel Wendy Nixson said she was still “receiving calls from women who have suffered physical and psychological injuries as a result of the treatment they have received in the obstetrics and gynaecology department at Mackay Base Hospital”.
“The hospital has recently begun writing to these women, inviting them to participate in a pathway to compensation the deadline for which is September 30,” Ms Nixson said.
“While the amount of compensation on offer isn’t clear, I would encourage every woman who has been harmed to register their interest to find out more.”
MHHS interim chief executive Paula Foley said at the start of the independent investigation the health service “moved quickly” to establish the pathway.
“This was separate to the investigation because the health service wanted to provide women with a timely way to have their care reviewed by an external committee of four gynaecologists / obstetricians and a midwife,” Ms Foley said.
“The process includes a full review of medical records, the opportunity for women to discuss their experience, the clinical care they have received and to have further care if needed.”
On September 8 MHHS confirmed it had received the final report into the department stating it would “consider the report before releasing any outcomes and actions”.
Ms Nixson urged anyone to seek independent legal advice before agreeing to an offer from the hospital “in case they are likely to secure a better outcome through the courts”.
“Traumatic births and associated injuries can have lifelong impacts on both mothers and children so it’s vital they obtain the justice they deserve,” Ms Nixson said.