In recent years, concerns about medical negligence across Queensland’s Hospital and Health Services have intensified. From January 2018 to October 2023, over $390 million was paid out in medical negligence compensation, including cases involving failure to diagnose or treat serious conditions, such as rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
Rheumatic heart disease is a preventable condition that primarily affects disadvantaged communities, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. In Queensland, 68% of the 3,600 active clients on the RHD Register are Indigenous.
RHD results from untreated streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever, causing damage to the heart valves. This chronic condition primarily impacts children, adolescents, and young adults, and often requires lifelong treatment, including regular antibiotic injections, medication, and, in severe cases, heart surgery.
Negligence in diagnosing and treating RHD can have devastating consequences. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing the progression of acute rheumatic fever to RHD. Unfortunately, in many cases, healthcare providers fail to offer timely care, especially in remote or disadvantaged communities.
The Doomadgee Cluster refers to the deaths of three Aboriginal women from the remote Doomadgee community in Queensland, all within 12 months. These deaths, related to rheumatic heart disease medical negligence, prompted a coronial inquest into the healthcare provided to the women.
The inquest revealed systemic failures in the health services provided by Gidgee Healing and Doomadgee Hospital. One of the women, Betty, visited the emergency department 12 times in two months but was only given Panadol and sent home, despite being diagnosed with RHD and requiring urgent heart surgery. These tragic deaths highlight the serious consequences of inadequate healthcare and neglect.
The Coroner found that the healthcare services in Doomadgee were seriously deficient, leading to the deaths of these women. The inquest resulted in 19 recommendations aimed at improving the detection and treatment of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Indigenous communities. The recommendations included better primary healthcare, improved access to medical records, and more culturally sensitive healthcare services.
If you or a loved one has been affected by medical negligence related to RHD or other conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. Failure to diagnose or treat conditions like RHD can lead to life-altering consequences. Seeking expert legal advice is crucial to holding healthcare providers accountable.Contact us today to discuss your rights and potential compensation claims related to rheumatic heart disease medical negligence.