Lessons learnt from the Inquiry into Obstectrics and Gynaecology Services at Kind Edward Memorial Hospital 1990-2000

Written by Jenny McLean and Michael Walsh. Taken from The Australian Health Review, Volume 26, 2003

Abstract

"The Douglas Inquiry investigated the Obstetrics and Gynaecological services at King Edward Memorial Hospital from 1990-2000. Performance deficiencies were identified at state, board and hospital level contributing to poor outcomes for women, babies and families. The Inquiry raises important issues about clinical governance, leadership and culture, accountability and responsibility, safety and quality systems, staff support and development, and concern for patients and their families.

The King Edward, Bristol and Royal Melbourne Hospital inquiries reveal important similarities and key lessons for governments, health care leaders and providers. The health care industry must ensure effective clinical governance supporting a culture of inquiry and open disclosure, and must build rigorous systems to monitor and improve health care safety and quality."

The full article can downloaded from here (click 'save target as')

 

Three Australia whistleblowing sagas:lessons for internal and external regulation

Written by Thomas C Faunce & Stephen N C Bolsin

Abstract

The protracted and costly investigations into Camden and Campbelltown hospitals (New South Wales), The Canberra Hospital (Australian Capital Territory), and King Edward Memorial Hospital (Western Australia) recently uncovered significant problems with quality and safety at these institutions.
• Each investigation arose after whistleblowers alerted
politicians directly, having failed to resolve the problems using existing intra-institutional structures.
• None of the substantiated problems had been uncovered or previously resolved by extensive accreditation or national safety and quality processes; in each instance, the problems were exacerbated by a poor institutional culture of self- regulation, error reporting or investigation.
• Even after substantiation of their allegations, the whistle- blowers, who included staff specialists, administrators and nurses, received little respect and support from their institutions or professions.
• Increasing legislative protections indicate the role of
whistleblowers must now be formally acknowledged and incorporated as a “last resort” component in clinical- governance structures.
• Portable digital technology, if adequately funded and
institutionally supported, may help to transform the
conscience-based activity of whistleblowing into a culture of self-reporting, linked to personal and professional development.

The full article can be found here