Our Story

If someone had told us a few years ago that we'd be creating a patient advocacy organisation, we never would have believed them.

Like most families, we trusted that if something went wrong, the healthcare system would know what to do.

Everything changed when we lost our beautiful mum, Christine. 

After seeking emergency care for severe abdominal pain, Mum returned home from hospital. She died the following day from a small bowel infarction. Losing her changed our lives forever.

In the weeks and months that followed, we were left searching for answers.

We thought we'd simply be able to ask questions and receive clear explanations.

Instead, we found ourselves navigating a complex system of medical records, complaint pathways, government agencies, legislation, policies and review processes that many people don't even know exist until they're suddenly forced to use them.

As we searched for answers, we experienced first-hand how difficult it can be for families to understand what happened, where to turn for help, and how to navigate multiple organisations, each with different roles, responsibilities and limitations.

We also discovered that transparency isn't always straightforward. Understanding what occurred often required persistence, patience and learning how to access information through formal processes rather than simply asking questions.

We spent countless hours reviewing medical records, researching legislation, preparing submissions, lodging complaints, meeting with healthcare leaders, government representatives and elected officials, and learning far more about Queensland's healthcare system than we ever imagined.

As our understanding grew, so did our determination.

We realised that many families were facing the very same challenges; not because they lacked determination, but because the system can be incredibly difficult to navigate during one of the most traumatic periods of a person's life.

No family should have to become an expert in complaint pathways, patient rights and government processes simply to understand what happened to someone they love.

Along the way, something unexpected happened.

We discovered we weren't alone.

We heard from families across Queensland who had experienced similar challenges; people who felt unheard, overwhelmed or simply didn't know where to turn. We also met compassionate healthcare workers who genuinely cared, wanted to listen, and shared our desire to see positive improvements across the healthcare system.

Those conversations changed our perspective.

We realised that while we couldn't change what happened to Mum, we could use everything we had learnt to help other families.

That's why Queensland Hospital Watch was created.

Today, Queensland Hospital Watch Limited is an Australian not-for-profit organisation supporting patients, families and healthcare workers across Queensland through practical information, advocacy, community support and shared experiences.

What began from our family's experience has grown into something much bigger. QHW is now building practical support initiatives, developing resources, helping people navigate complex healthcare pathways, connecting Queenslanders with available services, and advocating for meaningful improvements across the healthcare system.

While Queensland Hospital Watch has grown, the reason behind it has never changed.

Every person matters. Every family matters. Every voice matters.

Our Mission

• Help people understand their rights and the pathways available to them.

• Provide free resources that make complex healthcare processes easier to navigate.

• Provide and connect people with practical, non-clinical support where possible.

• Create a supportive community where patients, families, carers and healthcare workers feel heard and valued.

• Advocate for meaningful improvements across Queensland's healthcare system.

• Use lived experience, community feedback and real-world challenges to identify gaps and help drive positive change.

We believe most healthcare professionals come to work every day wanting the very best for their patients.

We also believe every healthcare system can learn, improve and become safer by listening to the experiences of the people it serves.

Queensland Hospital Watch isn't about blame.

It's about support.

It's about education.

It's about advocacy.

Most importantly, it's about ensuring that no family has to face these challenges feeling alone.

Every hospital presentation represents a person.

Every person has a family.

Every family has a story.

And every voice matters.

Join Our Community

Whether you're looking for information, support, practical resources, or simply a place where your experience is understood, you're welcome here.

Together, we can support one another, learn from each other, and advocate for a stronger healthcare system for all Queenslanders.

Because real change begins when every voice is heard.