A REVIEW into the death of Wayne Irving in the Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department in November last year has recommended the introduction of medical and nurse commander roles to better oversee monitoring and escalation of patients on the ramp.
In a report released by West Moreton Health this week, it was also recommended procedures around opiate use be updated to include patients on the ramp as well as a review of social work resourcing after hours in the emergency department.
Mr Irving, 67, went into cardiac arrest while on a stretcher in a hospital corridor after waiting three hours for a bed to become free.
The incident sparked an immediate backlash after a hospital whistleblower told a journalist Mr Irving’s case had been escalated five times by paramedics while he lay ramped on a stretcher in a hallway.
The review by West Moreton Health was undertaken by internal and external senior clinicians and representatives from the Queensland Ambulance Service.
It identified several adverse factors in Mr Irving’s care including demand pressures on the emergency department at Ipswich Hospital, a lack of dedicated nursing and medical staff to oversee patients on the ramp; misinterpretation of the procedure for strong pain relief for patients on the ramp; and that Mr Irving’s ultimate diagnosis may not have been a consideration at triage.
“We continue to hold Mr Irving’s family in our thoughts and offer our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time,” West Moreton Health Service Chief Executive Hannah Bloch said.
“Today [Monday] our staff met with the Irving family to discuss the final review of the events surrounding Mr Irving’s care.
“The review confirmed that earlier diagnosis or treatment may not have changed the clinical outcome but did identify areas where we could have provided a more compassionate experience for Mr Irving and his family.
“We assured the family that this is an important lesson we are committed to learning from and outlined the actions that have, and will, be taken.”
