Shannon Fentiman promises big changes ahead for spinal unit after shock allegations

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has made a big commitment in the wake of horror stories from the PA Hospital’s spinal unit.

• The exclusive: Naked, lying in faeces, degraded

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has promised a state-of-the-art spinal injuries facility following a visit to the beleaguered Princess Alexandra unit where former patients, including the Queenslander of the Year, blew the whistle on shocking conditions and treatment.

Ms Fentiman said the government has heard the calls for an upgrade and the first stage of evaluation has been completed including the assessment of the current unit.

“All potential infrastructure options are being considered and consultation with key stakeholders is ongoing. The Minister visited the unit on Friday to speak with patients and staff and was blown away by the strength of patients and their families and dedication of all the staff,” a spokesman for the Health Minister said.

“While practical steps have already been taken to improve the care environment at the spinal unit, the Minister acknowledges further work is needed and has committed to ensure Queenslanders are provided a state-of-the art spinal cord rehabilitation facility.”

Shannon Fentiman at the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Unit on Friday. Picture: Twitter/Supplied

Following disturbing reports in The Courier-Mail of paralysed patients being left to lie in their own faeces, sit naked in front of other patients and subjected to aggressive bowel treatments, the Queensland government launched an investigation.

Queenslander of the Year Dinesh Palipana, who works for Queensland Health as an emergency doctor, and was once a patient at the PA unit, felt compelled to join the chorus of whistleblowers to demand better treatment for the vulnerable patients.

Dinesh Palipana said the upgrade is much needed. Picture: David Kelly

“I think that it is heartening to see the movement in Queensland to improve the care of people at spinal cord injury. It is timely and much needed. Most importantly, we need the voices of the patients to be heard to create the care that will benefit them the most in the future,” Dr Palipana said.

The doctor said he felt hopeful for the future care of spinal injury patients “but it’s contingent on maintaining the momentum and having fundamentally the patients’ best interest at heart, and their voices heard”.

Queensland Health chief operating officer David Rosengren is leading the re-evaluation, which includes the “potential relocation” of the PA unit to the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service STARS at Herston.

The time frame of the overhaul and the budget allocated has not yet been revealed.

Shannon Fentiman is “committed to ensure Queenslanders are provided a state-of-the art spinal cord rehabilitation facility”.