Why lag in sharing Mackay hospital investigation findings unjust

Delays in the release of the report into Mackay Base Hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department is unacceptable. The women who came forward have been very courageous. We need their experience not to be in vain, writes Rae Wilson.

Yet more delays in the release of the report into Mackay Base Hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology department is unacceptable.

The women who came forward have been very courageous to share their stories.

We need their experience not to be in vain and we need to learn.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service chief Lisa Davies Jones says she is going to pursue the independent external investigators again for answers. But at this point I’m not hopeful we will see the report any time soon.

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones'. Picture: Elizabeth Andrews

And when it is released, what portion will the public get to see?

Will there be parts redacted to protect certain people or will we get a warts and all report?

Of course, we want the investigation to be thorough and forthright but it must also bring about change.

It’s difficult to conceive what is holding up the delivery of the report – surely they don’t need more time?

Surely these women have waited long enough? Ten months is a long time. The investigators said April, then June and then August.

Mackay Base Hospital where Ross Tighe is being treated after surviving a gunshot wound. Picture: Liam Kidston

Today we are in September.

It’s really disappointing.

We need to rip the Band-Aid off, say what went wrong and what has been, and will be, done to fix it.

It is reassuring the HHS has already provided women who contacted the hotline with further treatment and psychological support

But the brave women who told their horror stories deserve answers. The rest of us need to know we can trust our public hospital going forward.