Improving Paediatric Care at Caboolture Hospital
Originally published: 17 August 2023 | Updated: 02 May 2024
Metro North Health has today released the terms of reference for the independent review that will help Caboolture Hospital improve the way it cares for babies and children for years to come.
The review was announced in June 2023 and will report by mid 2024. Metro North Health has already committed to publicly releasing the review’s recommendations.
Metro North Health Chief Executive, Adjunct Professor Jackie Hanson, said that the terms of reference lay out the broad scope of the review.
“The reviewers will be considering the way care is provided from when the paediatric patient first arrives at the emergency department, right through to when they leave the hospital’s care.”
“They’ll be interested in the health outcomes at the end of that patient journey, and the clinical and supporting services they access along the way.”
“The terms of reference also cover the escalation pathways available for parents and families when they have concerns, and the support available at the hospital for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children and families.”
“The reviewers are invited to make recommendations about the ways that Caboolture Hospital delivers healthcare services, how those services are organised, and what improvements may be needed for the years ahead.”
Adjunct Professor Hanson said the review would be conducted by a team of six reviewers, including three senior clinicians from South Australia and Victoria, and two senior health workers who are also Gubbi Gubbi people.
“The review team will have the authority to conduct site visits, meet with hospital staff, and they’ll be provided with the administrative support they need to complete their important work.”
Adjunct Professor Hanson said that Metro North Health never stopped working to improve its services.
“This review will result in practical improvements to the way Caboolture Hospital cares for our smallest patients while better supporting and welcoming their families,” Adjunct Professor Hanson said.
Metro North has accepted an eight-week extension to the independent review, but this will not affect reporting timeframes.
Updated 24 January 2024: