Alarming reports allege dementia patients at the Bundaberg Hospital are being overdosed on opioid pain-relief to keep them sedated.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said Patient Advocate Beryl Crosby has written a tell-all letter to the Minister for Health, revealing horrors and atrocities at the Bundaberg Hospital.
“The letter alleges patient deaths have been coved up, with nurses told not to report to the police,” he said.
“It’s alleged large doses of Endone were administered to dementia patients so that ‘nurses would have an easier shift if the patients were kept sedated’.
“More allegations reveal a review was commissioned into ‘Drug management on medical ward level 3’, but the findings have so far been buried.
“I cannot begin to describe the shock, disgust, and distress I feel after reading this letter.
“It alleges negligence of the highest degree, terror felt by staff who are told to keep their mouth shut, and complicity from hospital executives.
“Ms Crosby describes the grief one family is feeling after a man with dementia was given unprescribed Endone at the Base Hospital.
“His health declined dramatically, and he later passed away.
“I cannot begin to imagine how his family must be feeling today. All I can say is how sorry I am for their loss.”
While Mr Bennett said he would like to thank Ms Crosby for raising the alarm on these horrific allegations.
“It takes a very brave person to come forward and demand answers on behalf of our community.
“Thank you, Beryl.”
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett took the matter to Parliament today, asking the Minister for Health a Question Without Notice:
I refer to reports a nurse at Bundaberg Hospital medicated a person without a clinical need and ask. Is the Minister aware of any similar instances at this hospital?
The Minister did not acknowledge there were any other patients treated this way.
Patient Advocate Beryl Crosby is calling for an immediate External Independent Inquiry.
“The allegations I have raised with the Minister are very serious and warrant an external independent review of all the allegations, not just this case,” she said.
“The patients, families and public have a right to know.”
ENDS.
24/05/2022