Staff at Rockhampton Hospital’s maternity unit will receive more training to improve patient safety following the death of one baby and injuries to three others last year.
The findings of an independent review into the Central Queensland ward were released on Wednesday.
One baby died and three were injured at Rockhampton Hospital in a single year. Photo: Louise Kennerley
There were 35 recommendations, including the need for increased training, improved leadership from management and increased staff-to-patient ratios during labour and birth.
They also called for an “urgent recruitment process to fill gaps in consultant obstetrician and paediatrician staffing”.
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Len Richards welcomed the report.
Mr Richards said the unit had taken steps to implement some of the recommendations since he commissioned the review in February.
“It is important for everyone to know we have not been sitting back waiting for this review before starting work in the unit,” he said.
“What we have now is a clear view of what is required and we have developed an action plan to ensure the recommendations are implemented as quickly as appropriate.”
The report included the hospital’s plan of action, which stated the unit had already achieved 41 of 60 key objectives.
The remaining items will be completed by August.
The hospital used its plan of action to address issues about individual practices.
“Our focus will be on ensuring safe patient care is paramount and that staff are afforded appropriate natural justice,” it read.
The report also made recommendations following an analysis into the root cause of the death of the baby and injuries to three others.
It confirmed Mr Richards had committed to achieving them within six months, and to provide a “first class maternity service for the women and families of Central Queensland”.
AAP