Probe into alleged rape

Police investigate allegegations patient attacked by security guard

A police investigation is under way into the alleged rape of a mental health patient by a security guard at a North Queensland hospital.

News Corp can reveal the shocking claim just days after a comprehensive clinical review was launched into mental health services at another regional hospital.

Queensland Police Service has confirmed that a probe is ongoing into an alleged incident where a security guard, employed at the hospital, allegedly raped the patient in a toilet block located just outside the hospital between late February and early March this year.

QPS reports that support is being provided to the alleged victim.

Hospital insiders say that security guards have full access to all the mental health wards and every other medical ward including children and women’s wards.

Guards are called on to escort mental health patients from ward to ward or to intervene in any disruptions within the hospital.

Some workers question whether the recruitment protocols into hiring casual hospital support staff are too lax.

The hospital provides acute mental health care for dozens of patients and some are allowed leave the ward with doctors’ permission.

Following the death of a Townsville man, in a separate incident, who was shot by police just hours after being released from Townsville Hospital, the HHS chief executive confirmed on Sunday that a “comprehensive clinical review will be completed by the health service to determine what learnings or actions may result from this tragic incident”.

Following the incident Queensland Police Union chief Ian Leavers said the man did not receive the treatment he needed and “Queensland Health is in a shambles”.

In response to questions of the alleged rape investigation at the North Queensland hospital, the hospital said that it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing Queensland Police Service investigation.

“We support a balanced approach to ensure the safety, wellbeing and human rights of mental health service patients, their families and support persons, and the community. It is why we follow stringent processes when recruiting staff, including following all Queensland Government guidelines,” a spokesman said.

“All employees must complete a merit-based selection process, referee check and a criminal history check. Patients in our care can maintain autonomy and access leave, where appropriate, based on their individual circumstances.”

The spokesman said the call to allow leave from the ward is a clinical decision made in consultation with the patient.