Coroner to investigate death of woman, 54, at Geelong’s Swanston Centre

A coronial investigation has been launched after a woman’s body was found at a Geelong psychiatric ward.

Swanston Centre acute psychiatric admissions unit, Geelong. picture: Glenn Ferguson

A coronial probe has been launched after a woman’s body was found inside a Geelong psychiatric ward.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner after a 54-year-old patient was located dead at the Swanston Centre acute psychiatric admissions unit on Tuesday.

Leading Senior Constable Jody Clayton said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

“As the matter is before the court, we will not be providing any further comment,” she said.

The centre forms part of Barwon Health. Picture: Mark Wilson

Police believe the patient was located about 8.20am at the medical facility, at the intersection of Myers and Swanston streets.

Witnesses have reported patients being ordered to their rooms while paramedics removed the body, which is standard procedure, with some allegedly left disturbed by the circumstances leading up to her death.

“It was a very sad situation,” one said.

“She used to just lay on the couch in the common areas.

“She couldn’t do a whole lot for herself.”

A coroner will investigate how she died and when she was discovered, believed to be by staff at the Barwon Health run ward.

Barwon Health’s acting director of mental health, drugs and alcohol services Maree Bennett said due to patient and family privacy and confidentiality, the organisation did not comment on individual patients.

The case has been referred to the coroner as per routine practice.

It’s understood the patient’s clinical care has been reviewed and no gaps in care have been identified.

The Swanston Centre provides intensive mental health care to adults.

Staff include psychiatrists, mental health nurses, social workers and occupational therapists.

Originally published as Coroner to investigate death of woman, 54, at Geelong’s Swanston Centre