Coroner Clears Mackay Base Hospital Doctors in Newborn Death; Father Seeks Review

Queensland Deputy State Coroner Stephanie Gallagher ruled on Wednesday that newborn Hugo McGregor’s death in March 2023 was not preventable, clearing doctors at Mackay Base Hospital of responsibility. Hugo died five days after an emergency caesarean delivery, from hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy caused by a sudden drop in heart rate. His father, Andre McGregor, rejected the findings and announced plans to ask the state coroner to overturn the inquest conclusion, citing an earlier internal review that identified dozens of care failures.

What the coroner found

Deputy State Coroner Stephanie Gallagher delivered her findings on Wednesday after an inquest into Hugo McGregor’s death. She concluded that expert evidence showed the care provided to Hugo and his mother, Jenna McGregor, was reasonable and appropriate. Gallagher found no missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome, though she acknowledged it was theoretically possible an earlier delivery might have resulted in a better condition for the newborn.

The medical chain of events

Jenna McGregor arrived at Mackay Base Hospital at 6am on March 11, 2023, transferred from Proserpine because no anaesthetists were on call there due to fatigue. She requested an epidural at 9:10am, which was administered two hours later. Hugo’s heart rate dropped suddenly and profoundly at 4:01pm, and he remained bradycardic for about 18 minutes before reaching the operating theatre. An autopsy found signs of infection and inflammation in the placenta, which likely impaired its function and increased the baby’s metabolic demands.

Father disputes the ruling and cites internal failures

Andre McGregor expressed profound disappointment with the coroner’s findings and announced he would apply to the state coroner to have them set aside. He stated that an earlier internal review had identified dozens of failures in care, yet none were mentioned during the inquest. McGregor also noted that his wife’s testimony was excluded from the proceedings and called for greater transparency and safer maternity care within Queensland’s health services. The hospital has since made improvements including embedding obstetric ward rounds for earlier patient reviews.

What happens next

Andre McGregor’s application to the state coroner to overturn the inquest findings will determine whether the case is reopened or reviewed further. The coroner’s findings are final unless successfully challenged. The case highlights ongoing tensions between families and Queensland Health over accountability in maternity care and the scope of coronial inquests.

Final Thoughts

The coroner cleared Mackay Base Hospital doctors, but Hugo’s father disputes the ruling and seeks state review. The case underscores ongoing questions about transparency and accountability in Queensland’s maternity services.

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