Coroner probes death of Gold Coast woman after surgery by Premier’s partner Dr Reza Adib

The Coroner has launched an investigation into the death of a Gold Coast grandmother who died three days after surgery performed by the Queensland Premier’s partner. Her son has opened up on the family’s heartbreak

The State Coroner has launched an investigation into the death of a Gold Coast grandmother who died three days after surgery performed by the Queensland Premier’s partner.

A preliminary report by a pathologist commissioned by the Coroner found four factors caused the sudden death of Rosemarie Campbell, 62, in February 2022.

They include the gastric bypass surgery performed by Dr Reza Adib – as well as sepsis, an acute bacterial infection and pneumonia.

There is no allegation Dr Adib performed the operation negligently.

The devastated family of the Pacific Pines woman are demanding answers over the treatment and care of Mrs Campbell and are considering their own legal action.

Pacific Pines grandmother Rosemarie Campbell. Picture: supplied

Mrs Campbell was operated on by Dr Adib at the Wesley Hospital on February 24, 2022.

She was discharged on February 26. She died the following day.

Son Robert Hicks said the family believed his mother had been prematurely discharged by the hospital at the time.

“If someone is complaining of vomiting and can’t keep anything down, do the tests and further investigate,” he said.

In a letter to Mr Hicks dated 3 August 2022 from the Coronial Services Office the family was informed of the findings of the pathologist.

“Dear Mr Hicks, I would like to keep you informed of the progress of the coroner’s investigation into the death of your mother, Rosemarie Campbell,” the officer wrote.

“The Pathologist has now determined the cause of death to be: 1(a) Sepsis; 1(b) Acute bacterial peritonitis and pneumonia; 2 Recent gastric bypass surgery.”

Rosemarie Campbell died three days after having surgery. Picture: supplied

In a subsequent letter dated 12 January 2023 the Coronial Services Office asked further follow up questions.

These included whether Mrs Campbell complained of any swallowing problems or pain prior to the surgery being performed, and whether Mrs Campbell complained of pain in the abdomen the day prior to her death.

The circumstances surrounding the grandmother’s death have infuriated her family.

Mr Hicks told the Bulletin of his mum: “She should not have died. She was a perfectly fine person.”

Mrs Campbell’s family said the 62-year-old had vomited up food and water for two days after the operation. She was given an injection to treat this and was discharged with medication.

Mr Hicks’ partner Jodie said Mrs Campbell reported feeling like “she had been hit by a bus” when they spoke on the phone the day after the surgery.

“She didn’t have the energy to get out of bed that morning,” Jodie said.

Dr Reza Adib from the Brisbane Obesity Clinic. Picture: Brisbane Obesity Clinic website

Mrs Campbell collapsed at her home on the morning of February 27 and could not be revived by paramedics.

Dr Adib declined to answer a series of questions put to him on Wednesday afternoon by the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Those questions were met with a letter from his lawyers.

“Dr Adib is unable to comment whilst the matter is being investigated by the Coroner’s Court of Queensland,” the lawyers said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed back in September, 2021 she was dating Dr Adib.

A day after the surgery, on February 25, the pair were photographed at the opening of the Rockhampton Museum of Art.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with partner Dr Reza Adib as they unveil the plaque for the Rockhampton Museum of Art on February 25, 2022.

A coronial investigation into Mrs Campbell’s death remains open and ongoing.

A Coroners Court of Queensland spokesman said: “The coronial findings will be made in due course, and there are no specific time frames for when they may be completed.”

A Wesley Hospital spokeswoman said it was unable to comment on the matter because it was the subject of a coronial investigation.

At the time of her unexpected death Mrs Campbell was looking forward to enjoying retirement with her husband in the dream home they were in the middle of building.

The payroll officer died before it was finished.

Rosemarie Campbell. Picture: supplied

Jodie said: “The last few years she worked and worked so they could build this house.

“She wanted this big, family home to have all her family there.

“Rosemarie was caring, a hard worker and she was obsessed with her grandkids.

“She would be devastated that she is missing out.”

Mrs Campbell is survived by her husband Shane Campbell, her children and their partners Chantelle and Rob, Rob and Jodie, and Ben and Sarah.

She was a much-loved grandmother to Hollie, Gemma, Hudson, Harlow, Harry, Khalia and Amaya.