Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when you or a loved one isn’t seeing the progress you’d hoped for. It’s normal to feel stressed and anxious, particularly when communication with medical staff feels lacking or unresponsive.
In these moments, it can feel as though your concerns are being dismissed or overlooked, adding to an already challenging situation.
This is where Ryan’s Rule comes into play. Ryan’s Rule allows patients and their families to express their concerns and request a second opinion, ensuring you get the necessary attention when things aren’t progressing as they should.
However, in cases where invoking Ryan’s Rule doesn’t lead to the necessary medical intervention or if harm results from a lack of appropriate care, this may point to a failure in duty of care. At Revolution Law, our experienced medical negligence lawyers in Brisbane are here to help. We offer expert advice and representation to ensure your rights are protected, and we can assist you in pursuing a claim if your concerns were ignored or mishandled.
This article will explore how Ryan’s Rule works, its applicability across Australia, and why it applies to both adults and children. We’ll also discuss how medical negligence lawyers can step in when the system fails to provide the care you deserve.
What is Ryan’s Rule?
Ryan’s Rule was established following the tragic death of Ryan Saunders, a 3 year old who passed away from an undiagnosed Streptococcal infection in a Queensland hospital.
His death, deemed preventable, highlighted significant gaps in the healthcare system where patient and family concerns were not being adequately addressed.
In response, Queensland Health introduced Ryan’s Rule in 2013 to ensure that patients and their families could escalate their concerns and request a clinical review if they felt their concerns were not being heard.
Steps for Initiating Ryan’s Rule
When you’re in a hospital, you expect that the medical team will closely monitor your or your loved one’s condition and take swift action if things aren’t improving.
However, there are times when a patient’s condition may worsen, or progress may stall, and you feel that your concerns aren’t being fully addressed. This is where Ryan’s Rule becomes crucial.
Important Note: The specific steps outlined below for Ryan’s Rule are specific to Queensland only. Ryan’s Rule is a Queensland Health initiative, and the process, including the 13 HEALTH phone number, is specific to Queensland hospitals.
Ryan’s Rule is a three-step process designed to ensure that your concerns are taken seriously and that a clinical review is promptly conducted when necessary:
Step 1:
Start by speaking directly to the attending nurse, midwife, or doctor about your concerns. They are the first point of contact and are responsible for addressing any immediate issues.
Step 2:
If you’re not satisfied with the response, escalate your concerns to the nurse in charge of the shift or the hospital’s liaison officer. They have more authority and can intervene to ensure the appropriate care is being provided.
Step 3:
If the issue still isn’t resolved, you have the right to request a Ryan’s Rule Clinical Review by calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
When you make this call, be ready to provide specific information, including the hospital name, the patient’s name, their ward and bed number, and your contact details. This triggers a formal review of the patient’s condition by a senior medical officer.
Ryan’s Rule empowers you to advocate for the best possible care, ensuring that any concerns are escalated appropriately and that no stone is left unturned in your or your loved one’s treatment.
How to Get Help in Queensland?
To invoke Ryan’s Rule in Queensland, follow the aforementioned steps.
If you reach Step 3, calling 13 HEALTH(13 43 25 84) will trigger a clinical review by a senior clinician who will assess the situation, either in person or via telehealth for remote locations.
This process ensures that patient concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
Is Ryan’s Rule Australia Wide?
While Ryan’s Rule is specific to Queensland, similar processes exist in other states:
- New South Wales: The REACH program (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way) allows patients and families to escalate concerns in some hospitals.
- Australian Capital Territory: The CARE program (Call and Respond Early) at Canberra Hospital provides a similar escalation process.
- Victoria and Western Australia: While there is no direct equivalent to Ryan’s Rule, patients can contact Patient Liaison Officers for assistance. Western Australia also offers advocacy services through the Health Consumers’ Council.
Does Ryan’s Rule Apply to Adults?
Yes, Ryan’s Rule applies to patients of all ages, not just children. This common misconception arises from the rule’s origin, but it is designed to ensure that all patients in Queensland public hospitals can have their concerns addressed.
Valuable Resources
For more information and resources related to patient rights and escalation processes, consider the following:
- Queensland: Ryan’s Rule Information
- New South Wales: REACH program details available at local hospitals
- Australian Capital Territory: CARE program at Canberra Hospital
- Victoria: Support and Advice in Hospital, with Patient Liaison Officers at individual hospitals
- Western Australia: Health Consumers’ Council for advocacy services
Ryan’s Rule and Revolution Law
At Revolution Law, we understand the importance of patient advocacy and the right to a second medical opinion.
Ryan’s Rule empowers patients and families to ensure their voices are heard in the healthcare system.
If you believe your concerns are not being addressed, remember that Ryan’s Rule is a valuable tool at your disposal.
If you need further assistance or legal advice, get in touch with Brisbane’s best personal injury lawyers at Revolution Law for support and guidance. We offer a no-fault claim service to ensure you get the help you need without added stress.
07 3416 4999
