Shocking 48 hours at Mackay Hospital exposed

Disturbing revelations have exposed a horrifying 48 hours at Mackay Base Hospital.

Whistleblowers have revealed three critical incidents involving at least one death, permanent patient harm and doctors leaving the hospital.

Shockingly these events happened in departments that aren’t covered by a review currently being conducted at Mackay Base Hospital.

The events happened on the 6th and 7th of September 2019.

During Question Time in Parliament today the LNP revealed during this 48 hour period:

• A woman died after she was administered the wrong dose of a drug during anaesthesia for shoulder surgery which resulted in a fatal brain bleed.
• A patient had a stent inserted in the wrong kidney and suffered septic shock two days later. The doctor was stood down.
• An ICU patient suffered a heart attack which wasn’t picked up as a monitor was allegedly switched off and the doctor didn’t recognise symptoms during resuscitation. The doctor resigned four weeks later.

In an extraordinary development, senior hospital management have confirmed to the LNP that victims uncovered as part of the current review may be offered financial compensation.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said these developments prove the Queensland Health crisis is far deeper than the Health Minister is willing to admit.

“The longer the Queensland Health Crisis drags on, the worse the stories get,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Holes are already appearing in the Mackay Hospital Review and it’s barely begun.

“Every allegation must be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and someone must be held accountable.

“These grieving families deserve answers.

“The Mackay public must have faith in their local hospital.”

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said the incidents at Mackay Hospital are deeply distressing.

“The State Government can’t just sit back and hope these issues will go away," Ms Bates said.

“Queensland Health is in crisis and it’s up to the Health Minister to fix it.

“But as we’ve seen this year, the embattled Minister for Health refuses to take any responsibility and is in denial about the state of Queensland Health.

“As a nurse and former hospital administrator, I know how stressful and exhausting it is on the frontline.

“If the Minister can’t fix the health system, then she needs to go.”

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said anyone who has a similar story about Mackay Hospital should speak up.

“I urge locals to come forward,” Ms Camm said.

“By speaking up, we can force change and improve the health system.

“No other Queensland families deserve to go through this.”