POLICE INVESTIGATE HOSPITAL DEATH
Security guard stood down as coroner investigates incident
A TOWNSVILLE Hospital staff member has been suspended as authorities investigate the “unexpected” death of a patient in the mental health ward.
A 44- year- old man died in
the high dependency unit of the hospital’s acute mental health ward about 9pm on July 7.
The Townsville Bulletin understands a nurse and a security guard had been attempting to restrain the man at the time.
It is believed the man suffered a heart attack during the incident.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes confirmed the death of a patient at the hospital was referred to the State Coroner last week.
“One staff member has been suspended and another has been referred to the Office of the Health Ombudsman,” he said.
Mr Keyes said Queensland Police Service had been informed of the death “immediately” and had begun an investigation.
“This is a very tragic situ- ation for all concerned and our deepest sympathies are with the patient’s family,” he said.
A police spokeswoman said police were advised of the incident and a Death in Care report had been prepared for the coroner.
It is understood the male security guard has been stood down for five weeks with pay while the coroner’s investigation takes place.
The nurse who was referred to the ombudsman has been assigned alternate duties.
A source said nurses on the ward had received training in how to restrain patients and practice scenarios had been conducted in the past few months.
It is understood the unit where the man died was a smaller, enclosed area for patients who may need to be secluded. A Queensland Health spokeswoman said the depart- ment could not release specific information on restraint methods used in hospitals
“Hospital and Health Services use a range of methods for dealing with patients who may be at risk of potentially injuring themselves, other patients, clients or staff,” she said.
Health Minister Steven Miles said due to patient confidentiality and the ongoing investigation he was unable to comment on the incident.