Qld government sacks Mackay Hospital board

Fraser Barton and Robyn Wuth | November 22, 2022

The board of Queensland’s troubled Mackay Hospital has been sacked after a scathing report found inadequate care contributed to the deaths of three babies and dozens of women suffered lifelong physical and mental harm. 

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath announced the decision on Tuesday, saying an administrator had been appointed.

“I just don’t believe that there is the skill set needed across the entire board and a willingness and acknowledgement of what could have been done, and what should have been done over the last few years,” she said.

The nine-member board had been given a November 4 deadline to respond to a show cause notice and justify why it should not be dismissed after a damning report into the central Queensland hospital’s gynaecology and obstetrics department.

Four clinicians and another staff member had resigned and were referred to the ombudsman after the report released in October found inadequate care at the hospital contributed to the deaths of three babies.

It also flagged problems with incident monitoring, safety and quality complications management, and clinical deterioration between 2019 and 2021.

Ms D’Ath said individuals on the board were committed to their communities and “wanted to do the right thing” but they must be accountable.

“What has happened hasn’t happened out of malice but the fact is it did happen,” she said.

“It did happen under their watch and people have to be accountable for that.”

Opposition health spokeswoman Ros Bates was outraged the timing of the announcement coincided with the report into the Queensland Police Service, saying it was “dripping in arrogance”.

“Despite having show cause notices for weeks … Yvette D’Ath rushed through an extraordinary meeting with the governor on the very same day the failings of the Palaszczuk government were exposed in another damning report,” Ms Bates said.

“Victims of domestic and family violence and the mothers of Mackay are the ones who lose when the government has no interest in letting the sun shine in on critical issues we must repair.”

Ms D’Ath said the claims were rubbish.

“The LNP complain when they think I’m acting too slow. They complain when I’m allegedly acting too fast. The fact is the LNP just complain. That’s all they do,” she said.

The government had ordered the hospital probe after female patients complained about complications from caesareans and inadequate hospital care.

Almost 100 women gave evidence they had been neglected and suffered ongoing pain through unresolved medical conditions.

Some 26 cases fell below expected medical standards resulting in personal injury or harm, the report found.

The administrator appointed to the hospital is Karen Roach, who has over 35 years experience in management and leadership in public and private health.

“I’m confident Ms Roach will work well with Special Advisor Dr Robert Herkes and the hardworking staff on Mackay HHS to deliver improved services,” Ms D’Ath said.

The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union commended the “incredible ongoing efforts” of its members in repeatedly highlighting issues and calling for change at the hospital.

“Rebuilding trust will be dependent on whether genuine consultation with frontline midwives occurs to implement any or all of the recommendations regarding midwifery services,” Secretary Beth Mohle said.

“Nurses and midwives are on the frontline of health care and it’s in the best interest of Queensland patients that their expertise and concerns are heard, respected and acted upon.”

Some were experiencing stress as a result of ongoing issues at the facility, she said.

“We ask that the media and community acknowledge their efforts to protect and advocate for those in their care and their colleagues.”