September 7, 2026
Darling Downs Health has accepted all the recommendations of an independent review into maternity services at Toowoomba Hospital.
The review identified areas requiring improvement, including the implementation of outstanding recommendations, the consistency of clinical governance processes, workplace culture and maternity complaints processes.
A spokesperson said the review identified a need to improve the visibility of complaint pathways and strengthen reporting on how complaints are resolved.
This included ensuring concerns raised by women and their families were recorded, regardless of how they were made, were investigated appropriately and followed up.
Darling Downs Health Chief Executive Annette Scott said five previous reviews and incomplete implementation of some recommendations as far back as 2018 was not good enough.
“We acknowledge progress has not been consistent enough,” she said.
“Women and families should not have to wait for repeated reviews to see improvements in the care they receive.”
Ms Scott said the organisation was taking the report’s recommendations and associated feedback extremely seriously, with the immediate priority to complete outstanding actions and demonstrate that improvements were being sustained.
She said listening to women, families and staff would remain central to the reform process.
“We want women and families to feel heard when they raise a concern and to have confidence that their feedback is being taken seriously and used to improve care,” Ms Scott said.
“Safety, quality and the community remain at the centre of our maternity service.”
- Related article: Role Aims To Tackle Maternity Fears
