Margaret Strelow calls for independent review into Rockhampton Hospital

Horror stories of a patient being told by a nurse in ED to defecate in her pants and another not receiving important medications has resulted in a push for an independent investigation into the Rockhampton Hospital.

Independent candidate Margaret Strelow at Rockhampton Hospital.

Horror stories of a patient being told by a nurse in ED to pee or poo in her pants and another not receiving important medications like insulin has resulted in a push for an independent investigation into the Rockhampton Hospital.

Independent candidate for the seat of Rockhampton Margaret Strelow called for an independent review into the Rockhampton Hospital on Wednesday following horror stories from residents and after having hospital staff raise concerns about resources, staffing, management and processes.

Ms Strelow has shared the story of an elderly woman who told by a nurse in ED to pee or poo in her pants, according to her husband.

She has pushed for the Queensland Government to budget for at least one extra toilet at the ED at Rockhampton Hospital.

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service says there are seven at the ED and in the surrounding area.

In another sad story shared that day, Fe Stanger said her mother, 82, was left to freeze in the facility which, in the past two months, has been forced to share its patients with other private hospitals to help with overload.

Fe Stanger at Rockhampton Hospital. Picture: Aden Stokes

She also said her mother had not had her insulin and she was an insulin dependent diabetic.

“I am alarmed for the safety and the ongoing wellbeing of members of my community,” Ms Strelow said.

“Access to good healthcare is a pillar of our social contract with our governments.

“Over the past few years our hospital has repeatedly failed to ensure adequate staffing and resources to ensure the best possible care for members of our community.

Rockhampton Hospital.

“And this has left existing medical professionals exhausted and disillusioned and has certainly led to less than ideal outcomes for patients.

“I acknowledge that some sections of the hospital work very well and I have had people pull me aside to tell me how well they were treated and how grateful they are to the hospital for the care that they received.

“But unfortunately, this is not the universal experience.

“And not all of the stories relate to the Emergency Department although it is one of the most frequently mentioned.

Independent candidate Margaret Strelow at Rockhampton Hospital. Picture: Aden Stokes

“The local hospital staff who have spoken to me are keen to meet the professional standards that we expect of them but they are lacking the level of support and resources that they need to do so.

“I am asking for an independent review that will evaluate the evidence, hear the stories, analyse the professional responsibility and workload issues and address the concerns of the community.”

Last Wednesday, the hospital had been at Tier 3, forced to rely on other hospitals for 15 days because it was at 100 per cent capacity. It follows a brief reprieve after earlier being at Tier 3 for 21 days.

On top of this, quarterly Queensland Health data had revealed ambulance ramping was at 48.1 per cent between April and June this year at Rockhampton Hospital.

Rockhampton Hospital.

Ms Strelow said independent review was the first step in a two-part process.

“I have previously called for a Regional and Remote Healthcare Charter which would lay out the minimum level of services and facilities that should be available in a hospital our size,” she said.

“We used to have a neurosurgeon, faciomaxillary surgeon, ophthalmologist, respiratory physician, full time geriatrician, pain physician and urologist for example.

“Not any more.

“A Regional and Remote Health Care Charter would add substance to existing ‘Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights’ with measurable and specific targets for specialists and equipment that will be available on the ground.

“We shouldn’t be having to hop on a plane or more likely, face a seven hour drive for the most basic medical services.”

Originally published as Margaret Strelow calls for independent review into Rockhampton Hospital