LNP calls for action at SEQ hospital

Laine Clark |

The Liberal National Party say they received “deeply concerning” feedback about a southeast Queensland hospital before a young COVID-19 victim’s parents reportedly lodged a formal complaint against the institution.

Lachlan Moore, 28, is Queensland’s youngest COVID-19 fatality. He died at home earlier this month hours after being sent home from Redcliffe Hospital, north of Brisbane.

The parents of Mr Moore – who was born with neurodevelopmental condition Angelman syndrome, cerebral palsy and epilepsy – told the ABC they had lodged a formal complaint against the hospital.

They said hospital staff did not spend “any significant time” with their son before sending him home.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli demanded Health Minister Yvette D’Ath – the state member for Redcliffe – take action, saying locals had claimed the hospital was “under pressure”. 

“(Opposition Health Minister) Ros Bates and I have run a town hall in Redcliffe and the feedback on the ground was concerning, deeply concerning,” he said on Wednesday.

“That hospital is under resourced and under pressure, and it is in the minister’s backyard.

“I would like to hope something happens there and is improved quickly.”

Ms D’Ath expressed her condolences to the Moore family but said she would wait for the coroner’s report and not comment on the “complex” case.

“It’s a very sad situation,” she said.

“The hospital and health service has reached out to the mother and is offering support to her.

“It is a really difficult time and we will wait to see what the coroner’s report says.

“The experts will look at this and I am sure the coroner will release a report in due time and any findings or recommendations … about things to improve but let’s find out the facts of this situation.”

Redcliffe Hospital has been approached for comment.

AAP