Hospital’s escape record

Cairns Hospital still has the worst record in the state for patients escaping its secure mental health facility. New figures released by Queensland’s chief psychiatrist show the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has topped the list for the second year in a row for absconded patients from its mental health unit. A total of 76 patients went unaccounted from the mental health unit between July 1 last year and March 4.

CAIRNS Hospital still has the worst record in the state for patients escaping its secure mental health facility.

New figures released by Queensland’s chief psychiatrist show the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has topped the list for the second year in a row for absconded patients from its mental health unit.

A total of 76 patients went unaccounted from the mental health unit between July 1 last year and March 4.

In comparison, 62 patients escaped secure mental health facilities in Townsville, 46 on the Gold Coast and 37 on the Sunshine Coast.

During the previous financial year, 133 patients absconded from Cairns Hospital.

Queensland Health’s chief psychiatrist Dr John Reilly said there had been a signifi- cant decrease in the number of patients absent without approval across the state.

“We will continue to work on reducing absences without approval,” he said.

A spokesman said improving mental health services was a priority for CHHHS.

“In this year’s State Budget the Government committed to building a new $70 million mental health facility in Cairns, with $3 million allocated in 2017-18 to commence detailed planning,” he said.