What’s Happening?
Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren has launched a health service investigation into Mackay Hospital and Health Service (Mackay HHS).
The probe, initiated under Part 9 of the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011, will examine concerns about senior medical officer recruitment and credentialling, including clinical scope of practice and supervision requirements.
The investigation will cover a two-year period (January 2023 – December 2024), ensuring that credentialing processes align with competence, education, experience, and training.
Why It Matters?
This investigation aims to identify any shortcomings in the recruitment and credentialing of senior medical officers at Mackay HHS. The findings will ensure patient safety and uphold Queensland Health’s commitment to high medical standards.
Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls acknowledged community concerns but reassured the public that “clinical reviews to date found no patient harm had occurred.”
Local Impact
Mackay HHS has already implemented changes following an earlier Part 6 clinical review that assessed the workload and scope of a senior medical officer.
Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon stated, “Mackay HHS has responded quickly to address concerns raised by staff and this is a demonstration of our development of a culture of safety.”
She added that they are now ensuring that senior surgical specialist staff and theatre managers fully understand supervision requirements for non-specialist senior medical officers, principal house officers, and trainees.
By The Numbers
- The investigation spans two years (January 2023 – December 2024), covering all recruitment and credentialing processes for senior medical officers.
- The earlier Part 6 clinical review found no specific adverse patient outcomes but identified risks due to inadequate credentialing specificity.
- The investigation will assess Mackay HHS processes and statewide implications, with potential improvements being applied beyond Mackay.
Zoom In
Concerns were raised by doctors in Mackay regarding uncertainty around clinical scope and supervision requirements for non-specialist senior medical officers.
Dr Rosengren emphasised the importance of strengthening policies and procedures, stating, “If there are shortfalls, it is critical we identify these and implement opportunities to improve so Queensland Health continues to provide world-class health care.”
Zoom Out
This is not the first time Queensland Health has conducted such a review. Investigations into credentialing and recruitment practices are critical in ensuring high medical standards across the state.
Tim Nicholls reinforced this by stating, “I’m confident Queensland Health has rigorous senior medical officer recruitment and credentialling requirements, so I fully support this investigative work to ensure they are being met.”
What to Look for Next?
- Findings from the Part 9 investigation could lead to statewide policy changes in medical recruitment and credentialing.
- Mackay HHS has pledged to work closely with investigators to further improve processes and staff training.
- Potential updates from Queensland Health on best practice recommendations following the investigation.
