It started with Mum

After seeking emergency care for severe abdominal pain, Mum returned home from hospital. She died the following day from a small bowel infarction. Losing her changed our lives forever.

In the weeks and months that followed, we were left searching for answers. We thought we’d simply be able to ask questions and receive clear explanations. Instead, we found ourselves navigating a complex system of medical records, complaint pathways, government agencies, legislation, policies and review processes that many people don’t even know exist — until they’re suddenly forced to use them.

We experienced first-hand how difficult it can be for families to understand what happened, where to turn for help, and how to navigate multiple organisations, each with different roles, responsibilities and limitations. We also discovered that transparency isn’t always straightforward: understanding what occurred often took persistence, patience and learning to access information through formal processes.

We spent countless hours reviewing medical records, researching legislation, preparing submissions, lodging complaints, and meeting with healthcare leaders, government representatives and elected officials. As our understanding grew, so did our determination.

We heard from families across Queensland who had faced similar challenges — people who felt unheard, overwhelmed, or simply didn’t know where to turn. We also met compassionate healthcare workers who genuinely cared, wanted to listen, and shared our desire to see positive improvements across the system.

Those conversations changed our perspective. We realised that while we couldn’t change what happened to Mum, we could use everything we had learnt to help other families.

That’s why Queensland Hospital Watch was created.

What began from our family’s experience has grown into something much bigger. QHW is now building practical support initiatives, developing resources, helping people navigate complex healthcare pathways, connecting Queenslanders with available services, and advocating for meaningful improvements across the healthcare system.

We believe most healthcare professionals come to work every day wanting the very best for their patients. We also believe every healthcare system can learn, improve and become safer by listening to the experiences of the people it serves.