A state coroner will investigate the death of a mother who died during childbirth at Queensland’s Rockhampton hospital, which is undergoing an independent review following the death of a baby last year.
The Central Queensland hospital and health service chief executive, Len Richards, confirmed that the baby girl, named Willa, had survived but that her mother died on Monday.
“I extend sincere condolences to the patient’s family and friends on behalf of the health service,” Richards said.
“As this matter has been referred to the coroner, it is inappropriate for me to comment on any specifics of the case.”
He said a preliminary review did not point to any improper treatment as being the cause.
“But this will be thoroughly investigated by the coroner and through an internal review process,” Richards said.
“The patient’s family is our main priority and an initial meeting has been held with them to offer any support required during this extremely difficult time. They will continue to receive information as it becomes available.”
In February, the Central Queensland hospital and health service announced that the death of a baby and the injury of three others at the hospital in 2015 had prompted the launch of an independent review into the maternity unit. That review continues.
But Richards said staffing levels in the unit had been increased since then, and safety systems and procedures had been improved.
A spokesman for Queensland’s health minister, Cameron Dick, told Fairfax the minister had asked for more information, including any possible link between the woman’s death and the other four incidents.
However, a spokesman for the Queensland Nurses Union, Grant Burton, told Rockhampton’s Morning Bulletin that the mother’s death was not a result of inadequate staffing or safety procedures.
“There are no issues with staff in the theatre unit or the maternity staff involved,” he said.
“I believe bub is all right as well. I have been informed that everyone went above and beyond.”
A friend of the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to support Willa and her father. More than $9,500 had been raised as of Wednesday morning.
One man, Colin Magill, donated $1,000 to the family, saying: “My wife died suddenly 4 years ago after giving birth to twin boys. I know the heartache and pain [the father] is going through right now. There is hope and love in the world and hopefully he sees this and stays strong”.
