Investigating serious health issues
We have broad powers to investigate healthcare services in Queensland, although it is not possible for us to investigate every complaint.
An investigation involves gathering evidence and information to help us identify and analyse the cause/s of an adverse health incident or systemic issue. We then recommend improvements. Our aim in investigating is to identify opportunities for safety and quality improvement. It is not our role to apportion fault or blame.
How long an investigation takes depends on the complexity of the case.
What we investigate
We investigate widespread, systemic problems that impact on numerous health services. We also investigate health services that have, or could, put patient safety at risk. We can use our own discretion to investigate other serious matters.
We can start an investigation in a variety of different ways. For example, we may decide to investigate:
· a complaint lodged with us about the quality of a health service, that we believe is serious enough to warrant an investigation
· a complaint about a possibly widespread, or systemic, healthcare issue in Queensland
· a serious complaint referred to us by external agencies, such as the Medical Board of Queensland, the Crime and Misconduct Commission or the Coroner
· a health complaint or issue directed by the Minister for Health.
A fact sheet on investigating serious health issues is available.