Toowoomba Hospital maternity care: What mothers need to know

Expectant mothers and families in the Toowoomba region deserve to feel safe, supported and listened to when receiving maternity care. Recent media reports of alleged preventable baby deaths at Toowoomba Hospital have understandably caused distress and concern, particularly for those who have given birth there or are preparing to do so.

If you or your family received maternity care at Toowoomba Hospital, you have the right to understand what happened and seek answers if something went wrong.

What we know so far

Serious allegations have emerged regarding maternity care at Toowoomba Hospital, with reports that two preventable deaths may have occurred within months of each other in 2025. In both cases, placental abruption was involved.

Placental abruption is a rare but serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta separates from the uterus before birth. This can restrict oxygen and nutrients to the baby and cause significant bleeding in the mother, requiring urgent medical intervention. An inquiry is being called for to investigate these deeply concerning claims.

While investigations are ongoing, affected families continue to seek greater transparency, clear answers, and meaningful support during an incredibly difficult time.

Your rights as a maternity patient in Queensland

Every woman receiving maternity care in Queensland has fundamental patient rights, regardless of where she gives birth. These include:

• The right to safe care: Hospitals must provide appropriate monitoring, testing, and timely intervention when complications arise during pregnancy, labour or birth
• The right to be heard: Concerns raised about pain, symptoms, or your baby's wellbeing should be taken seriously and properly assessed
• The right to information: You should be clearly informed about your condition, test results, proposed treatments, and any risks, so you can make informed decisions
• The right to respectful treatment: You are entitled to dignity, respect and care free from coercion, intimidation or disregard
• The right to answers: If something goes wrong, you're entitled to understand what happened, why it happened, and what steps are being taken to prevent it from happening again

When medical care falls short

Medical negligence in maternity care can occur when healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of care. This may include situations where:

• warning signs during pregnancy or labour are missed, delayed or ignored
• necessary monitoring or intervention does not occur
• communication between healthcare staff breaks down
• a mother’s concerns are dismissed or inadequately investigated
• informed consent is not properly obtained or respected

The consequences of failures in maternity care can be devastating and life-changing. Families may be left grieving the loss of a baby, caring for a child with lifelong injuries, or experiencing ongoing physical and psychological trauma.

What to do if you’re concerned about your care

If you have concerns about maternity care received at Toowoomba Hospital, you may consider:

• requesting a copy of your medical records
• asking for an explanation or a meeting with the hospital
• lodging a complaint with the hospital or the Office of the Health Ombudsman