Qld Health investigation at Bundaberg Hospital

Queensland Health is conducting an investigation into matters raised around medication management and patient safety at medical wards in Bundaberg Hospital, part of the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (Wide Bay HHS).

The investigation follows a review by the Wide Bay HHS in 2021, and will further examine more recent claims made by patient advocates.

Queensland Health Acting Director-General Shaun Drummond said he had decided to commission a Clinical Review and Health Service Investigation as the matters raised warranted further investigation, which the Department would now do, in partnership with the HHS.

“The Wide Bay HHS has reviewed the health system practices, streamlined processes, reported appropriately to external authorities and initiated disciplinary measures where necessary,” Drummond said.

“To date, there has been no confirmed substantial evidence of patient harm or death regarding these serious allegations.

“While no substantial evidence has been found, the Department will further investigate the claims that have been made.

“It would be remiss of us to not work together to better understand if there are systematic issues that can be addressed after these claims were brought to light.

“A dedicated employee feedback line and online staff submission form have been established, so any current or former employees with direct knowledge of any issues can raise them, anonymously if they wish.”

The results and findings of the Clinical Review and Health Service Investigation will be announced in due course.

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