Arabic version: الإبلاغ عن إخفاقات في خدمات المسالك البولية في تاونسفيل قبل سنوات

According to ABC News, an independent Queensland Health investigation found that widespread failings in urological care at Townsville Hospital and Health Service could have been mitigated years earlier. The Part 9 investigation found the health service board was aware of gaps in care as early as 2022, but did not “appreciate the seriousness of emerging patient safety risks” until 2025.

The investigation was announced in September 2025 after concerns were raised about a Townsville urology patient who experienced disrupted care and a serious adverse event. During the investigation, executive hospital staff publicly apologised and acknowledged that hundreds of patients had experienced gaps in their care.

Former chief executive Kieran Keyes, who has resigned citing personal reasons, said the worst-affected patients included people with cancers that had spread without medical intervention and “which may result in their death”. Townsville Hospital and Health Service is north Queensland’s largest hospital and provides specialist urology care for public patients in the Townsville region and for patients living hundreds of kilometres away.

Monthly performance data shows 44 per cent of the most urgent urology patients were still not receiving care within clinically recommended time frames in August 2026. Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren released the findings on Wednesday and said Queensland Health had accepted, in principle, the investigation’s 27 recommendations and key findings.

A cultural review released alongside the urology probe found staff at all levels described a fractured relationship with the board. The Hoffman Reed report said staff viewed the board as disconnected from clinical realities and identified widespread fear of speaking up about issues including patient safety.