The board of Queensland's troubled Mackay Hospital has been sacked by the state government, after almost 100 women complained about the care they had received.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath announced the decision on Tuesday, saying an administrator had been appointed.
"I made that recommendation to the Governor in Council because I was satisfied it is in the public interest that all members of the board be dismissed," she said in a statement.
"In the circumstances, I am not satisfied that the board is able to implement the recommendations of the report, including the cultural change needed across the hospital."
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The board had been given a November 4 deadline to respond to a show cause notice and justify why it should not be dismissed after a damning report into the central Queensland hospital's gynaecology and obstetrics department.
Four clinicians and another staff member had resigned and were referred to the ombudsman after the report released in October found inadequate care at the hospital contributed to the deaths of three babies.
It also flagged problems with incident monitoring, safety and quality complications management, and clinical deterioration between 2019 and 2021.
The state government had ordered the probe after female patients complained about complications from caesareans and inadequate hospital care.
Almost 100 women gave evidence they had been neglected and suffering ongoing pain through unresolved medical conditions.
Some 26 cases fell below expected medical standards resulting in personal injury or harm, the report found.
The administrator appointed to the hospital is Karen Roach, who has more than 35 years experience in management and leadership posts in health organisations in the public and private sectors.
"I'm confident Ms Roach will work well with Special Advisor Dr Robert Herkes and the hardworking staff on Mackay HHS to deliver improved services," Ms D'Ath said.
Australian Associated Press
