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CASE STUDY
As all nurses and midwives are aware, deaths occur in healthcare settings.
In Queensland there is a mandatory reporting obligation for health care related deaths, as they are defined in the Coroners Act 2003.
If an unexpected death has occurred at your place of employment, a workplace investigation will take place-for example, Queensland Health will conduct a Root Cause Analysis.
Police contact
If there is no suspicion by the employer regarding the death, the first you may hear about an investigation is when you are contacted by the police.
The police may contact you either in person or in writing, to provide a statement for a coronial investigation.
You should ensure the police request for this information is in writing.
The police will generally provide you with a form that outlines the information they are seeking.
The form will help you to know exactly what the Coroner is requesting and enables you to obtain legal advice prior to lodging any statement or providing documents.
For example, you may be requested to provide documents that you are unable to provide and this can be explained to you if you seek advice.
Speak to the QNU immediately
Before providing any statement to the investigating police, contact the QNU. This will ensure your statement is appropriately reviewed, and therefore your professional interests are protected in the coronial process.
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