Review exposes ‘failings’ in Qld hospital linked to the death of three babies

Children have died and women have suffered lifelong physical and mental harm because of substandard care at a central Queensland hospital, a damning report and parallel review process have found.

Four clinicians identified by the report into the Mackay Hospital and Health Service obstetric and gynaecology services have been sacked and referred to the state health ombudsman, and a fifth has submitted their resignation while on leave.

The entire health service board now has one week to explain why they should not also be swept out, with opposition calls for Health Minister D’Ath to be stripped of her own role.

D’Ath has appointed an independent adviser to oversee the response to more than 120 recommendations stemming from the report, and will meet with all health services to reiterate safety expectations later in the day.

Speaking from the central Queensland city on Friday, D’Ath acknowledged the more than 170 women who had come forward to speak to investigators probing the public health unit and Mackay Base Hospital since October last year.

“The report is damning in its identification of failings at multiple levels within Mackay HHS and, more particularly, the Mackay Base Hospital,” D’Ath told reporters.

The health service commissioned the investigation last October after stories emerged of substandard care.Credit: Google Maps

“Of the 81 women who bravely came forward and were interviewed by the investigation team, the report notes that many of these women have sustained lifelong physical and mental harm.

“What we have seen in this investigation is unacceptable. We know that there can be adverse outcomes in the health sector. It’s what you do with those adverse outcomes that is critical.”

The health service ordered the external probe after stories emerged of substandard care, following a decision by the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) not to re-accredit the hospital as a training site earlier in the year.

In parallel to the probe, a hotline was set up for patients to come forward for case reviews. D’Ath said 96 women had chosen to participate, with compensation pathways offered in 26 of the 84 cases already reviewed where substandard care led to injury or harm.

“Any of these women can of course still access any other legal remedies that may be available to them,” D’Ath said, confirming three cases identified through the review process contributed to the loss of a child across a 10-year period.

More than a dozen women, some who have also signed up for the internal compensation scheme, are already being represented by Shine Lawyers in a range of matters dating back to before the investigation.

“For the Mackay community to regain trust in their health service, it’s imperative the compensation pathway is transparent and affords due process to the women involved,” special counsel Sarah Vallance said in a statement.

LNP health spokesperson Ros Bates labelled the findings a “catastrophic failure” of governance, adding there was “no scenario where the Health Minister can remain in her position”.

The now-published summary of findings from the report, which covered the period between July 2019 to November, found a “pervasive” lack of “engaged respectful communication” with women, who were often not able to consult midwives throughout their pregnancies.

What was labelled a “high” incidence — 21 in one year — of bowel and stomach injuries during surgery were found in a hospital of the size that should only expect one. The caesarean section rate also “concerningly” rose from 31 per cent to 43 per cent in 2021.

“There were clear failures within the Nursing/Midwifery and Medical leadership team at organisational and departmental level,” the summary document stated.

It noted a lack of supervision and support for junior trainee doctors led to the RANZCOG training accreditation suspension and contributed to the clinical and reporting issues. Concerns raised by junior staff were often dismissed and the board was also not kept properly informed.

“Many women described the experience of being interviewed as part of our investigation as the first time they have felt heard.”

Interim HHS chief executive Paula Foley said she “unreservedly” apologised to the women and the families. “We are doing everything we can to support our families and our women,” she said.

“Providing patient-centred care is at the heart of what we must do and I give that commitment to the community today.”

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