Friendly Society Private Hospital Board Chair Barry Dangerfield today firmly rejected concerns raised by the Bundaberg Medical Association regarding hospital governance, pointing to the hospital’s recent successful reaccreditation as clear evidence of proper standards.

“We categorically reject the suggestions that our hospital has governance or compliance failures,” Mr Dangerfield said.
“The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards has just reaccredited our hospital for three years following a rigorous, comprehensive audit completed this month.

“This independent assessment unequivocally demonstrates that Friendlies fully complies with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care standards and validates the safe, quality health care we provide to the Bundaberg Wide Bay community.”

Mr Dangerfield emphasised that the accreditation process involved intensive examination of the hospital’s governance structures, risk management systems and compliance with all relevant National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.

“The facts speak for themselves. We operate with robust governance frameworks that fully comply with all regulatory requirements. We have had no adverse findings from any regulator, including the Office of the Health Ombudsman and the Private Health Regulation Unit, Queensland.”

“While we value constructive feedback, we will not allow unfounded allegations to undermine the confidence our community should have in this hospital. Our 100-year history of serving this region speaks to our commitment to excellence.”

Mr Dangerfield said the Board stood firmly behind its governance practices and remained unwavering in its commitment to providing safe, quality healthcare to the community.

He said the board fully supported CEO Michelle Thompson.