Review finds ongoing problems and complaint gaps at Toowoomba Hospital maternity ward

Queensland Health ordered an assurance review of Toowoomba Hospital's maternity unit after years of complaints from families. The independent panel assessed how Darling Downs Health responded to five earlier reviews and 117 recommendations dating back to 2018. Findings show that, although certain reforms have begun, the ward still lacks a dedicated complaints pathway, leading to poor visibility, unsatisfactory responses, and a perception that grievances are ignored.

Real-time concerns during care are often redirected into formal processes without meaningful feedback. Policy revisions are still in early stages and have not become routine, and there is a risk that specific items from past recommendations were inadvertently omitted from the Master Action Plan. Director-General David Rosengren said the health service will prioritize strengthening the complaints process to restore community confidence.