Mackay Hospital Chief Executive Suspended for Over a Year, Inquiry Finds Recruitment oversight Lacking
MACKAY, QLD – Teh chief executive of Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), Dr. David Pain, was suspended on full pay for more than a year while an investigation took place, culminating in a report that found deficiencies in senior doctor recruitment processes but no wrongdoing by Dr. Pain himself.
Dr. Pain was suspended in February 2024, following a complaint. He began his role in Mackay in October 2022, after the results of an investigation into obstetrics and gynaecology services where released. He was tasked with implementing 122 recommendations from that investigation, acting as interim chief executive and chairing a working group to rebuild trust in the hospital.
“Dr. Pain accepted a role that few others were qualified to undertake: reconstructing corporate and clinical governance and building a culture that delivered a safe, efficient and equitable health service to the community at a time when trust in the hospital had been considerably eroded,” said Dr.Senthuran, a colleague.
Following Dr. Pain’s suspension, an investigation into senior doctor recruitment and credentialing at the Mackay HHS was launched in January 2025. The six-month investigation identified one instance of inadequate oversight and made 11 recommendations for improving administrative procedures.
The report specifically stated it made no findings against Dr. Pain. Investigators also resolute the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) role lacked direct oversight and operational authority over Senior Medical Officer (SMO) recruitment – a function the investigators believed should be central to the CMO’s responsibilities.
Dr. Senthuran called for stronger safeguards from the health minister and director-general to ensure fair, proportionate, and accountable processes for inquiries and suspensions, “so that these powers are exercised fairly, proportionately, and with accountability”.
