Legal Action Against Victorian Hospitals
Approximately 40 individuals in Victoria are initiating legal proceedings against hospitals, alleging that their loved ones died by suicide following premature discharge or denial of critical care. Most of these tragic deaths reportedly occurred between 2021 and the present.
Specific Cases Highlighted
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Richard Ang's Case: In May 2023, Richard Ang, 61, was discharged from Maroondah Hospital's mental health unit. Clinical notes indicated he was at high risk of suicide, including having a specific plan. He was discharged four hours after a psychiatrist revoked his treatment order, and died by suicide less than 48 hours later. His son, Martin Ang, is seeking compensation from Eastern Health.
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Jason Daddy's Case: In 2022, Therese Daddy repeatedly sought help for her husband, Jason, from Werribee Mercy Hospital's mental health triage. Mr. Daddy was reportedly turned away from the emergency department after seeking admission. He died by suicide at home 19 days later.
Systemic Concerns and Expert Views
Daniel Opare, a medical law practice leader representing numerous families, stated that these are not isolated incidents but represent a disturbing pattern.
"It is a pattern of individuals being turned away or discharged too early," Opare indicated. He suggested clinicians face pressure to free up beds, potentially compromising patient interests.
Professor Patrick McGorry, executive director of Orygen, expressed that patients are often discharged prematurely from mental health units. He noted that in previous decades, acute patients would remain hospitalized for longer periods.
McGorry suggests current practices contribute to preventable deaths and has observed a rise in individuals dying by suicide after failing to access appropriate mental health support.
Data and Workforce Challenges
Victoria has experienced a 7% increase in suicides since the pandemic, a trend that contrasts with reductions seen in New South Wales and Queensland. Mental health-related emergency department presentations in Victoria have also risen by nearly a third over the last decade.
Coroner's Court data from 2009 to 2018 recorded 520 suicides within six weeks of individuals being mental health inpatients.
Paul Healy, Victorian secretary of the Health and Community Services Union, stated that mental health workers are under significant pressure to manage bed availability.
Healy estimated a deficit of at least 200 adult acute mental health beds and a critical need for an additional 1500 staff members.
Government Response and Sector Feedback
A state government spokesperson acknowledged the severity of suicides and highlighted significant investments made to reform Victoria's mental health system following the 2021 royal commission.
These investments include increasing the workforce by over 25% and delivering more than 170 new acute public mental health beds. The government had committed to fully implementing 65 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.
However, Phillipa Thomas, chief executive of Mental Health Victoria, asserted that the state's mental health system remains challenged by understaffing, funding gaps, and increased demand.
Thomas stated that "fundamental issues persist despite new investments." The state’s mental health watchdog has also called for greater transparency regarding the expenditure of the annual $1 billion generated by a payroll tax designated for mental health improvements.
Hospital Statements
Eastern Health noted it could not comment on individual circumstances due to privacy but affirmed adherence to established clinical, legal, and governance frameworks.
Mercy Health, which operates Werribee Mercy Hospital, extended condolences and stated that patient safety is a priority, with assessments and treatments based on clinical needs and guidelines.