Charges laid after patient dies at VIC hospital’s psychiatric care centre

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Charges Laid After Patient Dies at VIC Hospital's Psychiatric Care Centre

A medical facility operator faces charges from WorkSafe after a patient died at a Geelong hospital two years ago. This case highlights ongoing scrutiny of health services providers who deliver care within acute psychiatric settings.

What Happened

In December 2022, a patient sadly ended her own life while receiving treatment in the acute psychiatric unit of the hospital. She had been under care within a facility responsible for delivering mental support services to vulnerable individuals.

The tragedy raises questions about how health facilities manage safety obligations for patients receiving psychiatric care, particularly within units designed to support people experiencing severe distress.

Charges Filed Against the Hospital Operator

The hospital operator now confronts two allegations under section 23(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to take reasonable measures to prevent individuals other than employees from being exposed to health and safety hazards.

These allegations centre on whether adequate safety measures were in place to protect patients accessing psychiatric services at the facility. WorkSafe's involvement signals a broader expectation that facility operators maintain robust safety systems, not just for staff, but for every person receiving care.

• Two charges filed under section 23(1) of the OHS Act
• Allegations relate to failure to protect non-employees from health and safety hazards
• Incident occurred within an acute psychiatric care unit
• Case scheduled for a filing hearing at Geelong court on 7 January 2025

Court Proceedings

The matter was scheduled for a filing hearing at Geelong court on 7 January 2025. Outcomes from this hearing may influence how similar facilities structure future safety protocols across psychiatric care services.

Why This Case Matters for Health and Care Providers

Incidents like this underscore why robust safety systems remain essential across care services, especially in psychiatric and mental support settings where patients face heightened vulnerability.

Facility operators carry significant responsibility for maintaining environments that support patient wellbeing while managing genuine health risks. Providers who fail to implement adequate safety measures may face regulatory consequences, reputational damage, and — most importantly — preventable harm to those in their care.

Building Stronger Safety Frameworks

Health services providers can strengthen their safety posture by reviewing existing documentation, updating risk assessments, and ensuring staff receive appropriate training for psychiatric care environments. Facilities delivering care services should regularly audit their systems against current OHS obligations.

For operators managing patient handling risks within psychiatric or aged care settings, resources such as the Patient Care – Lifting and Transporting Safe Work Method Statement offer practical guidance for maintaining compliance.

Facilities can also benefit from structured recording systems, including the WHS Recording Centre and OHS Recording Centre, which help track incidents and support ongoing safety improvements.

Providers delivering support within home-based settings should review options like Home Care Services Safety Packages to ensure comprehensive coverage of safety obligations across every service line.

Related Reading

• WorkSafe files charges after patient dies at a Melbourne hospital
• Charges filed after worker dies from fall at VIC construction site
• Charges laid after fatal workplace incident

First published here.

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