Toni Hoffman AM
Whistleblowing by Master of Bioethics graduate Toni Hoffman prompts Bundaberg Hospital Inquiry
We are proud to report that Bundaberg hospital whistleblower and Master of Bioethics graduate, Ms Toni Hoffman (right), was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday 2007 Honours List. Toni was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to nursing and to the community through concern for the well-being of patients in the public health care system, and advocacy roles to improve standards of medical care. (Please see http://www.govhouse.qld.gov.au/QueensBirthday2007Honours.asp )
Toni was also named Australia's "Local Hero' for 2006, for her efforts in raising concerns about patient safety at Bundaberg Base Hospital during 2003-2005. Toni completed the Master of Bioethics in 2003.
Toni, Nurse-in-charge of the Intensive Care Unit at Bundaberg Base Hospital, raised concerns about surgical deaths at the Hospital which prompted the establishment of a Queensland government Inquiry into the activities of surgeon Dr Jayant Patel. The Bundaberg Hospital Commission of Inquiry was chaired by Tony Morris QC. An associated Review of audit, performance monitoring, and reporting systems in Queensland Health was also established.
Toni was presented with the 'Local Hero' award by Prime Minister John Howard at the 2006 Australian of the Year ceremony outside Parliament House Canberra on Australia Day in January. For further details, see: http://www.australianoftheyear.gov.au/pages/page119.asp
Toni's experience as a whistleblower at Bundaberg was the focus of the ABC television program Australian Story on 27 June 2005. A transcript of this program is available on the Australian Story website. With regret, we note that due to preparations for the forthcoming trial of Dr Patel, Toni will be unable to speak about her experiences at this year's Intensive Bioethics Course.
With any queries, please contact Justin Oakley.