Queensland's spinal injury unit is going under the microscope after concerns about patient care and a lack of resources were raised with Health Minister Yvette D'Ath.
A review will look at the treatment of spinal injuries patients at Metro North and Metro South hospital following claims of poor treatment by former patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital's spinal unit, as well as calls for change from former Queenslander of the year Dinesh Palipana.
In a letter to Ms D'Ath, the emergency doctor describes patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital's spinal unit facing delays for beds and staff struggling under the weight of a lack of resources.
"It is my understanding that those caring for people with spinal cord injury in the acute setting are resource-stretched, struggling with these issues," Dr Palipana's letter says.
"I write to you to plead that we empower these stakeholders and provide resources to enable optimal care for Queenslanders in the most vulnerable time."
The health minister acknowledged Dr Palipana's concerns in parliament on Wednesday and said he also raised a specific patient matter.
She said his email did not raise specific allegations relating to patient care within the spinal injury unit.
Ms D'Ath said the evaluation, led by Queensland Health chief operating officer Dr David Rosengren, would be done of Metro North and Metro South Hospital and Health Services and their clinical models.
Changes following the evaluation could include relocating the Princess Alexandra Hospital's spinal injury unit to the surgical treatment rehabilitation service at Herston.
"This (evaluation) process will allow Metro South Hospital and Health Service and Queensland Health the time frame necessary to develop the business case and deliver on the redevelopment of the spinal injuries unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital," Ms D'Ath said.
"Based on, and depending on the recommendations of Dr Rosengren, Brisbane would have two tertiary spinal rehabilitation units in southeast Queensland as well as the one located in Townsville.
"In order to guide this work I have asked that a stakeholder working group be convened to ensure that we are appropriately informed of the lived experiences of patients and staff."
