Investigator flags delay to independent investigation of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s operations

A major report into healthcare in Cape York and the Torres Strait that was prompted by criticism from community leaders and a toddler’s death in Bamaga has been delayed, investigators have announced.

An investigation into Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service is currently reviewing the administration, management and treatment of First Nations peoples across the region.

A major report into healthcare in Cape York and the Torres Strait that was prompted by criticism from community leaders and a toddler’s death has been delayed, investigators have announced.

Led by Professor Cindy Shannon AM, the investigation, launched last August, is reviewing the administration, management and treatment of First Nations peoples across the region by Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

The report’s findings were meant to be released in two parts, starting this month, but Ms Shannon announced the delay recently on Queensland Health’s website.

“The investigators had planned … to have finalised the information and evidence gathering process and be in the position of providing a final report to the Director-General, Queensland Health,” Ms Shannon said.

“However, given the volume of information and evidence collected to date and the need to collect additional information and evidence, it has been necessary to obtain an extension of time from the Director-General.”

The first part – which in part aims to determine whether “the delivery of care provided by TCHHS to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is fit for purpose” – will now be handed down in late April.

“The investigators have been guided by the need to ensure that they carefully identify and review all relevant information and evidence and that they allow people who have relevant information and evidence to be heard on these most important and significant matters,” Ms Shannon said.

The report, authored by Professor Cindy Shannon, Dr Mark Wenitong and Associate Professor Jon Willis, will be released in two parts starting next month.

Last month, TCHHS’s new chief executive, Rex O’Rourke, pledged to restore “trust and confidence” within remote Indigenous communities and amongst health workers.

“I have confidence that our service has robust clinical governance and systems,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“But there are opportunities to improve and there always will be. Where we have an opportunity to improve is listening, talking and engaging with the community.

“You’ve got to win back the trust and confidence.”

The second part of the report is set to be delivered to Director-General, Michael Walsh by the end of June.

Ms Shannon is leading the investigation alongside Dr Mark Wenitong and Associate Professor Jon Willis.

The death of a two-year-old Umagico girl prompted outrage across the Cape in June last year, with Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council mayor Patricia Yusia claiming it was a “preventable death”.

Originally published as Investigator flags delay to independent investigation of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s operations