Queensland Health faces alleged racial discrimination

Queensland Health faces a class action, which has been filed by JGA Saddler against the State of Queensland alleging racial discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the areas serviced by the North West Hospital and Health Service and the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service. The class action alleges that the state unlawfully prevented class members from accessing health care in a manner consistent with their human rights and fundamental freedoms; it is alleged in the Statement of Claim that this conduct has amounted to breaches of various provisions of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. The Claim Period spans 20 December 1996–12 September 2024.

It is alleged that discriminatory conduct by the healthcare providers included inadequate and/or inappropriate: medical assessment, monitoring and observation; clinical interventions, such as the provision of temporary and low-level pain relief in the place of more involved intervention; follow-up assessment and management; patient engagement and communication, including overt racism, bias (implicit or subconscious), paternalism, pessimism or low expectations as to health outcomes; patient support (including unsupportive and unsafe environments); and clinical documentation and communication.

More information on the class action, including registration to participate, can be found at qldhealthclassaction.com.au.

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