Queensland Health to a fast-growing scrutiny. These reports indicate that hundreds of babies were not provided with important blood screening tests designed to screen for conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and other life-threatening illnesses. The problem was at least a year in the making. This highlighted the need for an audit just after the Crisafulli government assumed office. In April 2023, Queensland Health sought to proactively contact the families of children who are likely to have been affected. They sought to make changes to fix the gaps in the screening program.
The newborn blood screening test is a vital preventive health measure usually done within two to three days of birth. In Queensland, the test is only done at Pathology Queensland laboratories. Families can receive it without cost, as long as they consent for the procedure to occur. Even families who successfully opt out are required to complete a screening card. This card goes back to the laboratory, making certain that their babies are given the screening chance.
Audit Initiated Amidst Government Transition
The untenable situation only came to light after an audit requested by Queensland Health in November of last year. This state government audit took an extensive look at records and processes across public and private maternity services across the state. As of October 29, 2023, the audit exposed holes in screening records. As a result, 103 families responded and tested their children. About 180,000 babies have been born in Queensland during the three-year period under scrutiny.
Tim Nicholls’ spokeswoman saying that the previous Miles government was aware. As impressive as that beginning awareness was, it was before the Crisafulli administration even took office. She also mentioned that the move to reach out to families was made during the first month of the new government’s administration.
“It wasn’t until a change of government that a statewide review, investigating the full extent of the issue, occurred.” – Spokeswoman for Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls
Queensland Health is tackling this issue by getting in touch with parents before the vaccine. Screening they offered for free and their books are open for anyone who doesn’t have results or clear records of adequate follow-up.
“Queensland Health has contacted parents and re-offered screening at no added cost, in circumstances where there was no record of a newborn blood spot screening result or the appropriate follow up.” – Spokeswoman for Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls
Implications for Affected Families
The stakes of not attending these screenings are high. Dr. Michael Gattas said early diagnosis and intervention was critical for diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy.
“If we start them on treatment very early, it can stop them dying from their spinal muscular atrophy,” – Dr. Michael Gattas
An early diagnosis enables healthcare providers to provide essential information and resources to parents. The help doesn’t just stop at mom and dad—other family members benefit, gaining a better sense of their genetic risks as well.
“If we can diagnose a condition early, and it is a genetic problem, and a lot of these are, then it allows us to provide advice, not just to the parents, but other family members of the risks of it happening again.” – Dr. Michael Gattas
Opposition spokesman Shannon Fentiman has disclosed that he was first briefed on the issue last July of 2014. He was clear about the inaction taken prior, especially by the previous government in the months leading up to the change. He emphasised how critical stakeholders around this work, such as Pathology Queensland and multiple arms of Queensland Health, worked together in finding missed screenings.
“Key stakeholders, including Pathology Queensland, the statistical branch within Queensland Health, and Birth Deaths and Marriages undertook work to identify missed screenings and follow-ups,” – Opposition spokesman Shannon Fentiman
Fentiman had Queensland Health’s commitment. Our own staff is deeply involved in trying to fix the current state of affairs and reach out to families impacted.
Moving Forward
Queensland Health has made significant strides in improving its outreach efforts. It remains to be seen how many families will opt into the newly re-offered screening process. The health department, she has emphasized, is committed to ensuring that no lapse in care for a newborn happens again. They are tightening their protocols and increasing communication with parents.
The ongoing situation highlights the critical nature of timely medical screenings for newborns and raises questions about how such oversights can be prevented in the future. The state government’s resolve to fixing these problems will be key to regaining the public’s confidence in its healthcare provision.
