A record number of South Australian paramedics are under investigation following a spike in adverse outcomes, including death, stemming from their decisions not to transport a patient to hospital. In the first calendar year since the $2.4 billion Royal Adelaide Hospital opened, up to 20 “adverse events” were identified, up from about a handful in previous years, according to sources within SA Ambulance Service. In correspondence circulated to paramedics, SAAS management said there was “a large and renewed focus on non-transport decisions as a result of a number of adverse events” that had resulted in deaths. Each event is being investigated, with “absent, poor or incomplete patient assessment and observations” a common theme, according to internal documents. It is unclear how many cases have involved a person’s death. “A preliminary review of these cases indicates there was often a lack of appreciation of the clinical risk associated with the patient’s presentation,” an SAAS memo to staff on December 20 said. The same document, issued by SAAS’s executive director of clinical performance and patient safety, Keith Driscoll, acknowledged that “system-based distractions such as ramping” had upped pressure on paramedics. “However, it is vitally important that we remain focused on providing the safest possible care,” he said. “We have a responsibility to contribute towards addressing this concerning trend in adverse patient outcomes.” Ramping — a term used when an ambulance is parked outside a hospital because there are no free beds to treat a transported patient — has been rife at the RAH since it opened in September 2017. The problem is not isolated to the RAH, with one woman developing bed sores after being ramped at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide’s south for eight hours on Monday. Ambulance union boss Phil Palmer said his members were “furious” at the extent of ramping that occurred within a system crippled by a lack of capacity. Mr Palmer conceded last year’s rise in adverse outcomes, but said a lack of resources rather than incompetence was behind the problem, which had coincided with a decline in quality assurance and clinical support for paramedics. “We said this pressure-cooker environment would cause mistakes … it’s a human thing,” Mr Palmer said. “There’s absolutely no doubt this whole issue with workload and ramping has already led to adverse incidents and will undoubtedly lead to others. “It’s a failure of the system, it’s not a failure of the individual.” Following Mr Driscoll’s memo to staff, SAAS team leaders held one-on-one meetings with paramedics. The service’s “treat no transport” guidelines were also updated. One paramedic welcomed the focus on education, but questioned whether it was a “box-ticking” exercise by bureaucrats. The same paramedic said some within the service had ignored protocol requiring them to call for clinical assistance when assessing a patient.
February 20, 2019
Vivability Inc has a s.372 (Application to deal with other contravention disputes) with which it must deal before Fair Work Vice President Catanzariti in his Sydney chambers today (Clayton).
February 20, 2019
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane will deal with a s.365 (Application to deal with contraventions involving dismissal) in front of Fair Work Deputy President Lake in his NSW chambers (De Maria).
February 20, 2019
Among any accolades or commendations that come Peter Maher’s way as he retires as Vinnies’ chief in Queensland none are likely to be more precious than a few words from one of his daughters. Looking back over more than 14 years in the chief executive officer’s chair, a comment from Peter’s daughter Belinda was up there among his most cherished memories. “One of the things (I remember) – and I think the highlight of my career, particularly with Vinnies – was when one of my daughters said to me, ‘Dad, I’m so proud of you …’,” he said. “That means more than anything else to a parent. So, that, to me, is what the society’s been about for me. “If that’s the message I’m giving my kids, that’s what’s important. “It’s not how much money I make or what I own or anything else like that. “That’s not what’s important. What’s the example I’ve set for my kids (is important).” Heading into retirement at the end of this month the 61-year-old’s looking forward to spending more time with those kids – Belinda and Juliette – and four grandchildren, with his wife Derrelle.
February 20, 2019
The Medical Council will pursue charges against Wellington doctor Deane Drew for allegedly entering multiple sexual relationships with vulnerable women patients. The media revealed in May that Wellington doctor Deane Drew is being investigated for pursuing women patients for sex over three decades at his central city practices. The first woman, Clara (not her real name) complained to the Health and Disability Commissioner in October 2016, followed by three more including Drew’s estranged wife, Catherine English. The Medical Council appointed a professional conduct committee (PCC) to investigate, which was initially expected to take 2-6 months. Two more complainants come forward during the investigation.
February 19, 2019
Karingal St Laurence Limited will face a s.365 (Application to deal with contraventions involving dismissal) matter before Deputy President Boyce in chambers in Sydney (Fry).
February 19, 2019
A s.185 (Enterprise agreement) application from the Sacred Heart Mission St Kilda Inc T/A Sacred Heart Mission for its Sacred Heart Mission Enterprise Agreement 2018 has been approved by Fair Work Commissioner Bissett in Melbourne on 18 February 2019.
February 19, 2019
East Arnhem Regional Council has a s.394 (Application for unfair dismissal remedy) to answer before Commissioner Bissett in the Fair Work Commission Level 10 NT House 22 Mitchell Street Darwin at 1pm (Wunungmurra).
