Blame game in patient death
THE patient accused of murdering a homeless veteran was dropped off by police at the Gold Coast University Hospital about an hour before the alleged assault in the Emergency Department toilet.
A dispute has erupted between police and Gold Coast Health about which agency was responsible for the patient.
A bloody crime scene was cleaned up and safety protocols allegedly not followed, prompting the state opposition last night to call for an open review into the lead-up to John Imber’s death.
The 53-year-old Army veteran died of serious head injuries on Sunday afternoon after allegedly being involved in a fight with the other patient about 8am last Friday.
Staff had noted his injuries were possibly caused by a seizure and fall, but police will allege Mr Imber had an argument with another man about “jumping the queue”.
Paul John Conoley, 38, had been picked up by police at a train station but not charged with any offence as they transported him to the ED.
Conoley has been charged with Mr Imber’s murder, but his lawyer, Jon Ide, said his client would plead not guilty.
Opposition health spokesman John-Paul Langbroek said serious questions needed to be answered by the government about what happened at the hospital ED.
“Queenslanders deserve to know why hospital protocols weren’t followed and a potential crime scene was allowed to be cleaned up,” he said. “There were a number of system failures at Gold Coast University Hospital that need to be explained. We need to know how this person was dumped at the hospital doorstep and the events leading up to this incident.”
Gold Coast Health yesterday said it was working with the relevant authorities and “we’re unable to make any further comment while the matter is before the courts”.
“We have highly skilled security officers who respond to incidents that may occur so that order is maintained and issues can be addressed promptly and safely.
“Inappropriate or violent behaviour is not tolerated in our hospitals.”
Police declined to comment. Opposition spokesperson for women Ros Bates, a registered nurse, said nurses were exhausted from dealing with anti-social behaviour.
“I’ve been raising concerns about the lack of security and support at Gold Coast hospitals and mental health services for almost two years,” she said. “The system isn’t working.” The Bulletin has been told Mr Imber had moved to the Coast for a fresh start.
He had served in the defence force for about 10 years in North Queensland before he moved to the Coast about 18 months ago.
His former lawyer, Dave Garratt, said his client had been working to get his life back on track after developing alcoholism. “His alcoholism stemmed from his service in the army but he was really trying to get his life together. The last time I saw him he had completed several alcohol courses and wanted to change. He was a really lovely, polite bloke.”