Health Minister releases HQCC report into Mackay Hospital

The Health Minister Stephen Robertson has today released the findings of the Health Quality and Complaints Commission (HQCC) report into the quality of services at Mackay Base Hospital.

Mr Robertson said he referred the matter to the HQCC in 2006 and has taken immediate action on the findings of the independent health watchdog.

“The report has found the health system failed a number of patients in this instance and that is not something I take lightly.

“The report has recommended a number of changes which need to be made in Queensland Health and I have directed the Director General Mick Reid to make this happen.

“Today cabinet endorsed my proposal to introduce mandatory reporting of misconduct by medical practitioners into hospitals.

“This is something I had asked Queensland Health to consider previously.

“Mandatory reporting will be required in circumstances where the conduct of a doctor causes or is likely to cause harm to a patient’s wellbeing, or the doctor is involved in sexual misconduct at work.

“It is a very practical way to improve the safety of patients in our hospitals and ensure that problems are identified early and acted on,” Mr Robertson said.

“With cabinet approval, consultation will now begin with stakeholders about how mandatory reporting could be introduced in Queensland Hospitals.

“The Bligh Government also recognised the importance of the HQCC in conducting independent and transparent investigations such as these.

“The Commission was established in 2006 as a fierce, independent watchdog for the Queensland health system, and reports directly to the Minister for Health.

“Today I am announcing this independence will be further strengthened by the establishment of a parliamentary committee to which they will now report.

It is proposed the Parliamentary Committee will:

• receive and consider complaints against the HQCC
• review HQCC guidelines and make suggestions for improvement of HQCC practices
• review HQCC reports including its annual report
• request reports from the HQCC on matters which have come on the Committee’s attention
• address ad hoc issues concerning the HQCC as they arise.

This means the HQCC and Parliamentary Committee structure will mirror other independent bodies such as the Crime and Misconduct Commission and its Committee.

Minister Robertson said it was important not to lose sight of the fact this report focuses on events which occurred between 2001 and 2006 and there had been a great deal of work done since to strengthen accountability in our hospital system and improve patient safety.

“For example, patients and families who have experienced serious adverse events in hospital are now offered a process called open disclosure,” Mr Robertson said.

“This is where the patients and family meet with a senior clinician to talk about the event, address any concerns and be informed what the hospital intends to do in relation to the incident.

Patient Safety Officers are also now deployed throughout the state.

“While these changes and many more have improved the overall safety in the delivery of health service in Queensland, we should keep striving to improve outcomes for our patients.

ENDS.

Media Contact: Catherine Goldie 0417 728 676 or Kate Van Poelgeest 3234 1185/0458 449 267