Townsville Hospital’s urology department has been in crisis. As of Sunday evening, 821 patients are still awaiting care. A recent federal review, led by Dr. David Rosengren, found major gaps in care. This review uncovered delays that harmed at least 11 patients. These results prompted Dr. Rosengren to propose an independent inquiry into the administration of the Townsville health service. He wants to figure out whether the need for urology care has outstripped the hospital’s ability to provide it.
The two-part investigation will delve far beyond the surface to find the root causes of these dangerous delays. It is intended to address the lack of urologists for Townsville Hospital in particular. As Dr. Rosengren has pointed out, this shortage puts significant pressure on the health care system, jeopardizing timely and possibly life-saving patient care.
Review and Findings
Here’s what Dr. Rosengren and his team found in their review. What they found was shocking shortfalls in the appointment scheduling process at the Townsville Hospital. Mr. O’Rourke, a key figure in the administration, emphasized that while there were deficiencies, the overall quality of clinical care was not to blame.
“Cancers have not been missed, rather it is around people’s test results coming in and making appointments with those individuals.” – Mr. O’Rourke
Dr. Rosengren confirmed that the investigation will explore whether the high demand for urology services exceeds the hospital’s current capacity and how this may have contributed to the delays in follow-up care.
“The investigation will examine whether demand for urology services exceeded the capacity of Townsville University Hospital and subsequently influenced delays in follow-up care.” – Dr. David Rosengren
Patient Support and Response
If you’re as alarmed as we are about these results, it’s time to reach out for help! Call our dedicated phone line at 4433 3096 from 8 AM – 4 PM. Mr. O’Rourke guaranteed that the team reached all 11 impacted patients. We found that following the review each patient had the clinical care that was clinically appropriate.
“During that review, we identified the 11 patients who had gaps and delays in their care.” – Mr. O’Rourke
Dr. Rosengren wishes there hadn’t been a breakdown in communication regarding test results and follow up care. He recognizes that these matters have been deeply concerning to patients and their families.
“These concerns include reports of patients and their loved ones not receiving the appropriate follow-up care, such as being contacted about test results, which we regret and for which I apologise.” – Dr. David Rosengren
Apologies and Commitment to Improvement
Tony Mooney, chair of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service board, said sorry in the strongest possible terms. He was available to all who were impacted throughout this scary time. He recognized the deep frustration felt in the public health community about these conclusions.
“It will be profoundly disappointing for our community to hear this today.” – Tony Mooney
Mr. Mooney reiterated the board’s ongoing commitment to assisting that investigation and adopting any recommendations that come from it.
“We have unequivocally supported the investigation and we are committed to implementing any and all of the findings.” – Tony Mooney
