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Royal Melbourne Hospital Inquiry Report

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This Report presents the findings and recommendations of an Inquiry referred to the Health Services Commissioner (HSC) by the Minister for Health, The Hon. John Thwaites on 26 March 2002. The Inquiry followed serious allegations involving some nursing staff at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) that are the subject of investigation by the Coroner and Victoria Police.

The Inquiry was greatly assisted by Lois Kennedy who conducted most of the investigations, Dr Heather Wellington and Professor Megan-Jane Johnstone. The HSC received full cooperation of the CEO, the Board of Directors, the management and staff of RMH and the Department of Human Services so it was not necessary to invoke formal powers.

The Inquiry was conducted to examine systems issues impacting on the quality of patient care at RMH. During the Inquiry nursing profession issues emerged as being particularly affected by management and infrastructure problems. Although the nursing profession is the main focus of this Report the issues have implications throughout RMH and for other comparable hospitals

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Royal Melbourne Hospital Inquiry Report - August 2002 (1804kb, pdf)

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