NEW STANDARD FOR PUBLIC DEATH REPORTING

All hospital-related deaths in Queensland will be automatically reviewed under new reporting standards developed in direct response to the Davies Report into patient deaths at Bundaberg Hospital.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today the new reporting standard had been developed by the independent Health Quality and Complaints Commission established by the Beattie Government.

“The Davies Report made recommendations regarding reporting requirements to the Coroner for deaths occurring in public hospitals and within 30 days following surgery,” he said.

“I’ve not only taken action to progress that recommendation but extended the standard to apply to all private hospitals as well as public hospitals.

“The Health Quality and Complaints Commission currently has its Review of Hospital-related Deaths Standard out for consultation in the health sector.

“And other States like South Australia are following Queensland’s lead to establish independent health watchdogs to improve standards in the health system,” he said.

Under the new standard, all deaths that occur within Queensland

• In hospitals for both admitted and non-admitted patients and;
• In the community if a hospital admission had occurred within the preceding 30 days of the death

Will be reviewed and the following checks will be undertaken to ensure:

1. Deaths that qualify under the criteria of “reportable deaths” are reported to the coroner.
2. All Cause of Death certificates are accurate and comprehensive.
3. Improvements to hospital care are identified and implemented.

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH 3234 1190