Statement from Townsville Hospital and Health Service acting chief executive Rex O'Rourke

Statement from Townsville Hospital and Health Service acting chief executive Rex O’Rourke

Queensland Health Director-General, Dr David Rosengren, has commissioned a health service investigation into the administration, management, delivery and clinical governance of urology services at Townsville University Hospital.

The investigation will examine and report on the care of outpatients, focusing on booking processes, management of referrals and reviews, and the follow-up of patients between1 January 2022 and 31 July 2025.

A hospital review identified 11 patients as having gaps in their care. These patients have been contacted, and appropriate clinical follow-ups have been arranged.

I accept that this news today is very disappointing for our community. To every affected patient and family, I sincerely apologise. We are unequivocally committed to this investigation and to acting on its findings.

Townsville HHS takes incredibly seriously its responsibility as a trusted healthcare provider and the confidence the community puts in Townsville HHS to care for them.

The Queensland Health independent investigation will cover a three-and-a-half-year period. Given this time period, the number of affected patients is unknown at this point, and it is what the investigation is tasked with uncovering.

We have also acted immediately, taking steps that include reviewing our current urology waitlist to ensure each patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan is current and appropriate follow-ups are occurring. We are also fast-tracking any necessary investigations, engaging locum doctors, and employing a specialist urology nurse.

Townsville HHS has strengthened its processes so that all results from external providers are reviewed and signed off by a clinician before being added to a patient’s medical record, ensuring timely action and follow-up care.

I understand that anyone receiving urology care from our hospital would be concerned. If you are concerned, please call 4433 0396 between 8am and 4pm. A call-back service will also be offered.

The independent investigation will involve experts to ensure the impartiality of the process and the report will be publicly released, while respecting patient confidentiality.

Safe patient care is the bedrock of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service; this is why we have acted quickly and decisively.

Our patients are the reason we are here and everything we do is about their safe care.

Statement from Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney

Patient safety is the Board’s number one priority, and we are committed to a transparent and comprehensives process to safeguard safe, quality urology care now and into the future.

The Board supports this investigation and is cooperating fully with the reviewers.

I absolutely commit to implementing the recommendations of this investigation.

We recognise and support that the heath service investigation will inform part of a wider response to urology services across the state and the pressures affecting patient access to care.