Law Graduate, Beatrisa Dubinksky, has had an article published in the Australian Health Law Bulletin titled ‘Coronial inquest exposes systemic gaps in the diagnosis, care and treatment of chest pain in rural hospitals’.
This article analyses a recent coronial inquest into the sudden death of a patient, which highlights the need for rural hospitals to provide staff training on clinical pathways and for nursing and medical staff to follow the “Chest Pain Pathway” policy.
Specifically, the inquest found that there were systemic issues with both the Hospital's and the Doctor's protocols prior to the patient's death. Recommendations made by the Coroner included training for all nursing and medical staff on the importance of the clinical use of the NSW Health "Chest Pain Pathway". The Coroner also noted the critical importance of timely consultation with and referral to hospitals with specialist medical expertise.
Read the full article here (PDF 713.1KB).
If you have any questions, please contact Michael Gorton AM on 03 9609 1505.