The Queensland opposition has claimed in parliament the Mackay Base Hospital is in "crisis" after it revealed several cases of patient harm, including an unexpected death.
LNP leader David Crisafulli said the opposition had learnt of three clinical incidents in 48 hours in 2019 resulting in one death, permanent patient harm, and multiple doctors leaving the hospital.
"These events occurred in departments not covered by [the obstetrics and gynaecology] review," Mr Crisafulli said.
Mr Crisafulli told parliament about the case of Barbara Kelly.
Ms Kelly underwent surgery on her left shoulder in the Mackay Base Hospital on September 6, 2019.
Documents filed to the Supreme Court in Rockhampton in March revealed she failed to emerge from anaesthesia and died two days later.
The documents cited a coronial direction, finding Ms Kelly's death was caused by a haemorrhage from an increase in blood pressure after being given eight times the amount of metaraminol than she should have received.
Her family launched a claim against the Mackay Hospital and Health Service and was seeking $900,000 in damages.
Septic shock after stent
LNP health spokesperson Ros Bates said the night before Ms Kelly's surgery, another patient at Mackay Base Hospital underwent surgery to have a stent inserted into their kidney.
"When they woke the patient informed the doctor it was on the wrong side and was rushed back into surgery," Ms Bates said.
Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm told the parliament on the same night as Ms Kelly's surgery, another patient in the hospital's intensive care unit suffered a heart attack.
"Concerningly this was not picked up immediately as allegedly the monitor was switched off," Ms Camm said.
The comments come after terms of references for a review into the Mackay Base Hospital's obstetrics and gynaecology unit were finalised.
The review was ordered after the ABC revealed several cases of patient harm in the unit.
Minister says issues 'serious'
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said the issues raised by the opposition in parliament were serious.
"I would appreciate any addition information the member has that she has in her possession to refer to my office immediately today," Ms D'Ath told the parliament.
"I would hope that all of the issues that the opposition are raising today are issues that have only come to light after the review and terms of references have been issued.
Ms D'Ath said it was important there was "transparency and accountability" around health investigations such as the one into the obstetrics and gynaecology unit.
"Let's be clear, every death is a tragedy in our health system," she said.
"There are protocols with unexpected deaths being investigated and referred to the coroner for consideration."
The LNP shadow cabinet were in Mackay last week, where Ms Bates toured the Mackay Base Hospital.
The party last month also held what it labelled a health crisis town hall in Mackay where it spoke with residents about issues at the hospital.
The Mackay Hospital and Health Service has been contacted for comment.
