Mystery surrounds 12 more possible cases of surgical malpractice

Queensland’s Health Minister has confirmed that one death at Caboolture Hospital is under review, with Queensland Health internally investigating 12 possible cases of surgical malpractice.

Twelve possible cases of malpractice are under investigation at a hospital north of Brisbane, with one death already confirmed as having being due to malpractice at the facility.

The Queensland Government says the confirmed malpractice death happened prior to June 2020.

In a estimates hearing on June 29, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath confirmed the death was included in the Caboolture Surgical Services Review, an external inquiry headed by Dr James Sweeney from South Australia.

In the hearing, Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates pressed Jane Hancock, CEO of Metro North Hospital and Health Service, about the 12 current investigations and if any of them involved patient death or serious harm.

Ms Bates said the opposition had received “an anonymous letter from hospital staff alleging unsafe surgery practices, patient harm in the maternity ward and inappropriate staff appointments”.

Ms Hancock told the hearing none of the 12 cases resulted in patient deaths from surgical procedures since June 2020.

Queensland Health is internally investigating the 12 cases.

There are 12 separate investigations of possible surgical malpractice underway at the Caboolture Hospital. Picture: Peter Wallis

“Again, are any of these investigations before a coroner?” Ms Bates asked.

“The letter alleges there was a negative outcome from the labour ward.

“Is there an investigation and did the negative outcome lead to a loss of life or serious harm for a mother or a baby?”

Ms Hancock said there was a review currently underway in relation to obstetrics and gynaecology services at Caboolture Hospital that was being undertaken by Professor Ted

Weaver.

“In estimates I asked if there were any surgical deaths prior to 2020, the question on notice response now confirms there was death prior to 2020,” Ms Bates said.

“During estimates I asked who died, was it a mother or a baby?

“We still don’t know the answer to those questions and worse than that, we find out there are now 12 reviews going on at the Caboolture Hospital.

“What on earth are they and why wouldn't the government and the CEO of the hospital answer those questions I asked in estimates.”

Dr Sweeney will return to Caboolture Hospital next month to review the implementation of his review recommendations and act as a set of independent to the current review

A Metro North Health spokesperson said Metro North Health was unable to comment on active investigations.