Ann Jeffery, mother of Stewart Kelly, expresses satisfaction with a critical investigation by the Queensland Health Ombudsman into the death of her son, who starved in Robina Hospital due to inadequate care for his autism-related needs.
Ann Jeffery, the mother of Stewart Kelly, is expressing satisfaction following the release of a critical report by the Queensland Health Ombudsman regarding her son's tragic death at Robina Hospital. Stewart, who was 45 and autistic, passed away from starvation and dehydration in August 2022, approximately three months after his admission, highlighting significant issues in how his complex neurodevelopmental needs were managed. The investigation found that hospital staff lacked the necessary training to adequately recognize and address these needs, contributing to the dire circumstances surrounding his care.
In the wake of this investigation, Jeffery has voiced hopes that her son's death will lead to essential changes within the healthcare system to ensure that individuals with similar needs receive better care in the future. The ombudsman’s findings emphasized the responsibility of healthcare providers to be well-versed in the requirements of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, urging reforms in training and protocols to avoid similar tragedies. Jeffery expressed disappointment that it took three years to arrive at this conclusion but remains hopeful for progress.
Gold Coast Health has indicated it plans to implement the ombudsman’s recommendations, which could potentially enhance training programs for health staff and improve protocols for caring for patients with autism and related disorders. This case has drawn attention to the broader challenges faced by individuals with complex needs in healthcare settings and the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent such neglect in the future.
