The Bundaberg emergency response team.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Crisis Intervention

Background:

• Bundaberg Hospital faced a major crisis in 2005 due to concerns surrounding Dr. Jayant Patel, leading to the departure of the Hospital Executive.
• This event eroded community confidence in the hospital's services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an emergency intervention team, the Bundaberg Emergency Response Team (BERT), to address the crisis over a 6-week period.
• To maintain hospital function, assess harm to Dr. Patel's patients, and organize their care.
• To provide a framework for responding to similar healthcare crises.

Main Methods:

• BERT rapidly developed processes to evaluate patient harm and mobilize extensive clinical and counseling support for patients and staff.
• The team managed local health services, community engagement, and assisted with ongoing investigations.
• Authors acted as senior members of BERT, documenting their experience.

Main Results:

• BERT successfully maintained hospital function during the crisis.
• Processes were implemented to assess patient harm and provide necessary care and support.
• Community and former patients viewed BERT's response as appropriate and professional.

Conclusions:

• The BERT experience offers a valuable framework for managing healthcare crises.
• Key points for successful implementation of such crisis response frameworks are discussed.
• Effective crisis management requires structured assessment, patient-centered care, and community engagement.