The entire board of the Mackay Hospital and Health Service has been sacked following a damning report into patient care in the obstetric and gynaecology department. 

The report found sub-standard care had caused life-long harm to a number of women, based on complaints from over 100 women that included complications from caesareans and other allegations of patient harm.

The report showed women had suffered “long-lasting physical and psychological harm” after sub-standard care at the facility, and in at least three cases, “inadequate” care led to the death of a child.

After the report was released, all members of the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Board were given a show cause notice. Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath even extended the deadline for the notice in order to get adequate responses. 

But Ms D'Ath then moved to dismiss all members of the board, saying a “cultural change” is needed across the hospital, and that she “wasn’t satisfied” with the board’s response to negative treatment of patients.

“I made that recommendation to the Governor in Council because I was satisfied it is in the public interest that all members of the board be dismissed,” Ms D’Ath said.

“In the circumstances, I am not satisfied that the board is able to implement the recommendations of the report, including the cultural change needed across the hospital.”

Karen Roach, who has 35 years experience in health management and leadership, has been appointed as administrator.

“Ms Roach has served as interim chief operating officer of Metro South and Sunshine Coast HHSs and interim chief Executive of Townsville HHS,” Ms D’Ath said.

“She has qualifications in nursing and midwifery and was awarded a Centenary of Australia Award for services to nursing and health services in Queensland.

“The skills Ms Roach brings to this role will be crucial in restoring confidence in the Mackay Hospital.

“I’m confident Ms Roach will work well with special adviser Dr Robert Herkes and the hardworking staff on Mackay HHS to deliver improved services.”

It took several months for the report to be delivered and for the minister to make a decision, but Ms D'Ath says she acted as quickly as she could.

“Yes there were allegations, serious allegations, but I can't sack a board just on allegations,” she said.

“I have to consider the circumstances and what has been factually identified.

“What has happened hasn't happened out of malice, but the fact is that it did happen on their watch and people have to be held accountable for that.”

After the announcement, Mackay Hospital and Health Service's former board chair Darryl Camilleri conceded “the board could have done better”, but added; “We thought we were moving in the right direction. We thought we were on the way to actually try and improve the service and get it through to the other side”.