Cafe crash tragedy leads to new plan for driver checks

HEALTH and transport authorities will set up a working group to consider sweeping changes to the way drivers with medical issues are reported in the wake of an inquest into the Ravenshoe cafe explosion.

Cairns-based Coroner Nerida Wilson gave a number of recommendations when handing down her inquest findings last week into the deaths of cafe manager Nicole Nyholt, 37, and Innot Hot Springs grandmother Margaret Clark, 82, who died from injuries suffered in the 2015 blast.

She suggested setting up an inter-agency working group led by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to consider her proposed campaigns and changes.

These included a campaigns aimed at both medical practitioners and motorists about their respective obligations to report conditions and a review of current guidelines into continuity of care and how patients are transferred between doctors.

The cafe blast occurred after local Ravenshoe man Brian Scutt suffered a medical episode and crashed his vehicle into the building.

He was initially charged over the crash, but was ruled mentally unfit to face charges, then passed away last year.

Along with the deaths of Ms Nyholt and Ms Clark, a further 19 people were injured.

A TMR spokesman confirmed the working group would be established and work on a proposed campaign had already begun.

“(The group) will assist in getting information out to doctors though peak medical bodies,” he said. “TMR will also continue to work with Queensland Health to ensure information about medical reporting is available to doctors, using existing networks.

“We have already been planning to develop a campaign to assist drivers in understanding their medical condition reporting obligations.”