Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls has initiated an independent review into the Toowoomba Hospital's maternity unit.

Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls has initiated an independent review into the Toowoomba Hospital's maternity unit. This decision follows public concerns, including recent footage showing a support person's removal from a birth.

Review Scope and Panel Composition

The Assurance Review panel will investigate issues dating back to 2018 and assess complaints from mothers and families regarding maternity services at the hospital. The panel will comprise at least three individuals, including a clinician, a maternity consumer representative, and a medico-legal expert.

It will have full access to previous reviews to evaluate whether appropriate actions were implemented.

Minister Nicholls affirmed the panel's mandate to engage with patients to incorporate the experiences of mothers and their families.

The panel is expected to complete its investigation and present its findings to Queensland Health Director-General Dr. David Rosengren within three months.

A History of Concerns and Unresolved Issues

The maternity unit has been the subject of multiple reviews and audits since 2018, focusing on workplace culture and patient care. The unit is currently undergoing two additional independent reviews.

A previous independent review into the unit's workplace culture, completed in December last year, has not yet delivered its report to Darling Downs Health.

Recent months have seen several senior figures resign or take leave, prompting a statement of concern from Australia's primary maternity lobby group. A parliamentary petition launched recently also highlighted significant concerns about the unit's systemic issues, including clinical practices, leadership, culture, staffing, and governance.

Stakeholder Reaction

Alecia Staines, founder of the Maternity Consumer Network, acknowledged the review, stating it was a "long time coming" and crediting the advocacy of affected women.

Staines also suggested the inclusion of the hospital's executive team in the review process.