Medical mistakes kill hundreds in Queensland More than 200 people died as a result of human error or systemic failings in Queensland hospitals last financial year. Among the 241 incidents where a patient died or suffered serious harm, one person died from being administered the wrong blood type and six succumbed after being given the wrong medication. The figures, which cover public and private health facilities, were revealed in the 2012/13 annual report by Queensland's health watchdog, the Health Quality and Complaints Commission. These "reportable events" result in the death or serious harm of patients, triggering an investigation. A spokesman for Mr Springborg saidcomplaints about public hospitals had actually reduced. "Slightly more than half (51%) of the complaints made about healthcare organisations in 2012-13 were about public hospitals - this is a 12% reduction on 2011-12," he said. The 5 per cent increase is most likely attributable to the rise in complaints from correctional facilities which accounted for 11 per cent of complaints in 2012-13 compared to 5 per cent in 2011-12. Both Dr Rowan and Mr Springborg's spokesman said that did not necessarily signal more people were dissatisfied with their medical treatment. "There has been significant rises in recent years in relation to complaints regarding adequacy of treatment and communication," Mr Springborg's spokesman said. Matters such as (Bundaberg surgeon Jayant) Patel have proved highly valuable in raising awareness of the various mechanisms available to people who have concerns around the healthcare they receive. It is important these concerns are heard and addressed where appropriate or referred to the appropriate agency for further action. Dr Rowan agreed.