More resources for Bundy Hospital

President of the AMAQ Chris Davis in Bundaberg.

Ron Burgin

A FORTNIGHT after Bundaberg Hospital medical services executive director Dr Donald Coid was stood down over inadequate credentialling of doctors, his replacement has been given more resources to deal with the issue.

The news came from Australian Medical Association Queensland president Chris Davis, who flew in on Tuesday to meet local medical staff including newly-appointed acting executive director Dr Tim Smart.

“Dr Coid certainly has been over-extended by trying to do as one person what a range of people are now doing,” Dr Davis said.

It came as a promised public release of a report into allegations by a whistleblower nurse failed to eventuate.

The review of 100 specific incidents had been due to be delivered to Queensland Health director general Mick Reid on Monday. He had, in turn, pledged the report would be released in its entirety to the media right after it hit his desk.

Yesterday, there was no sign of the report and it was rumoured that Mr Reid would today be making his third flying visit to Bundaberg in three weeks.

Dr Davis has been critical of the inquiry into the allegations, which is being undertaken by the Health Quality and Complaints Commission (HQCC), set up by government. He wants an “independent, high-level” inquiry.

Dr Davis said Dr Smart was experienced and qualified, as was Dr Coid.

He also said Dr Smart had taken on several administrative officers to assist him in relation to credentialling and other administration.

Dr Coid was stood down on full pay on February 13 over doctors working at the hospital without their credentials having been checked.

He was to be investigated by the HQCC, Ethical Standards Unit and Queensland Medical Board, but yesterday he was still waiting for news.

Dr Davis said the matter must be dealt with urgently, adding: “If Queensland Health has the claimed evidence to justify the suspension, then clearly there's absolutely no grounds for delay. It doesn't make any sense to have him not employed.”

Dr Smart was not available for comment yesterday, despite repeated requests.