The Department of Health is referring six deaths at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) to the coroner, following an independent review into hospital death reporting procedures.
The review was launched after allegations surfaced that some deaths in Tasmanian public hospitals were not reported to the coroner as required.
Acting Department Secretary Dale Webster said the independent panel, led by Adjunct Professor Deb Picone AO, did not find any practices or evidence that indicate there is a systemic issue in reporting.
“The Panel Chair has commended staff on the high standard of care provided and quality of documentation observed through the file and case reviews,” Webster said.
However, the panel did identify six cases it believes should be reviewed by the coroner.
These cases were all initially assessed by a single staff member who is no longer employed by the Department of Health.
“The Department is now following the standard process for that referral which includes contacting the families and providing them the information and support they need,” Webster said.
“As a result, the independent panel will now examine further cases that the identified staff member was involved in.”
The Department of Health encourages anyone with concerns to come forward and has assured families and individuals that all information will be treated confidentially and investigated thoroughly.
More like this: Former Launceston General Hospital boss accused of falsifying death certificates to avoid investigations
