Queensland government announces inquiry into Brisbane’s Wolston Park

Queensland authorities will launch an investigation into a Brisbane mental health facility after the ABC reported historic allegations of abuse at the facility.

Brisbane’s Wolston Park closed in 2001, but from the 1950s to the 1980s the site remained scarred by widespread allegations of sexual abuse, beatings and chemical abuse.

As part of an ABC investigation, former patients have spoken for the first time about alleged abuse they suffered, sharing medical records that are usually sealed for 100 years.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the issues raised in the ABC report were a “serious cause for concern” to her, adding that she had instructed the Mental Health Commissioner to launch an investigation.

“I understand that previous inquiries may not have taken adequate account of the experiences of all those affected, including children and adult patients who were not considered wards of the state,” she said in a statement to the ABC.

“The Mental Health Commission will investigate the medical services provided at Wolston Park Hospital between the 1950s and the 1990s and will submit a special report to me on this.

“The scope of reference will be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure that incidents involving people with lived or lived experience are fully captured.”

Ms Fentiman said that while the inquest would not “reverse the damage that has been done”, she hoped it would allow those affected and their families to “share their experiences and heal the wounds”.

Former patients and their loved ones also spoke to ABC about difficulties accessing their medical records.

The ABC has learned that the Minister has asked West Moreton Hospital and Health Service to provide families and carers of patients with access to their requested medical records during this period, in line with the Information Commissioner’s recommendations.

The Government will provide further information in the coming weeks on how members of the public can contribute to the investigation.

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Published 12 minutes agoThu Aug 8, 2024 at 3:26 am, updated ExactlyThu Aug 8, 2024 at 3:38 am