After months of investigation and scrutiny, the board of Mackay Base Hospital was sacked by the Queensland Government, following more than 100 claims of mistreatment by women who had been in its care.
On Tuesday November 22, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath dismissed the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) Board and appointed an Administrator.
This decision follows a show cause notice issued to the MHHS Board following the release of a damning report into its obstetrics and gynaecology unit, issued on September 30.
The show cause notice asked MHHS board members to say how they can effectively discharge their duties and obligations and whether any or all of the board members should be dismissed.
The board members had a week to respond to this show cause notice. More than a month after the deadline, the State Government made its decision with the Health Minister making her recommendation to the Governor in Council.
Image: Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath
Standout quote to go anywhere
“You have shone a light on failings that have been hidden for far too long.”
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Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the obstetrics and gynaecology report is damning in its identification of failings at multiple levels within Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and more particularly the Mackay Base Hospital.
“The Investigation team found multiple examples of substandard clinical care, poor clinical incident monitoring, poor management of safety and quality, complications and clinical deterioration and poor human resource management.
“I want to acknowledge the more than 170 women who came forward, with many telling their deeply personal and sometimes deeply traumatic experiences.”
The Health Minister announced the decision to dismiss the board on November 22.
“Governor in Council has, on my recommendation, dismissed all the members of the Board under section 275(1) of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011,” the Minister said.
“I made that recommendation to the Governor in Council because I was satisfied it is in the public interest that all members of the Board be dismissed.
“In the circumstances, I am not satisfied that the Board is able to implement the recommendations of the report, including the cultural change needed across the hospital.”
Minister D’Ath said experienced health administrator Karen Roach has been appointed Administrator in place of the dismissed Mackay HHS Board, effective immediately.
“Karen Roach has over 35 years of experience in management and leadership positions in health organisations in the public and private sectors,” she said.
“Ms Roach has served as Interim Chief Operating Officer of Metro South and Sunshine Coast HHSs and Interim Chief Executive of Townsville HHS.
“She has qualifications in nursing and midwifery and was awarded a Centenary of Australia Award for services to nursing and health services in Queensland.
“The skills Ms Roach brings to this role will be crucial in restoring confidence in the Mackay Hospital.
“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.”
Minister D’Ath thanked the women who had come forward as part of the investigation.
“To each and every one of these women, whether they were part of the investigation or the consumer case management pathway, I want to say thank you for your bravery and courage.
“You have shone a light on failings that have been hidden for far too long.”
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