‘Still quite dangerous’: Whistleblowers call for further changes within Cairns Hospital’s mental health unit

A mental health patient who “nearly killed” a Cairns Hospital security guard by choking him has since been involved in at least three violent incidents, angering frontline staff.

Cairns Hospital’s Kerwin St entry where some mental health services within the hospital are currently based. Picture: Brendan Radke

A mental health patient who “nearly killed” a Cairns Hospital security guard by choking him has since been involved in at least three violent incidents, angering frontline staff.   

In an incident that has traumatised employees, multiple staff members were forced to wrestle with the male patient, aged in his early 20s, as he strangled the on-duty private guard in August.  

That month, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service stationed a constant static security guard within the hospital’s Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, following months of pleading from nurses and clinicians.

The $70m Cairns Hospital mental health unit redevelopment is still under construction. Originally scheduled to be completed in February 2022, the new building will house 53 beds, five more than the old building. Picture: Brendan Radke

Still, problems within the hospital’s troubled mental health unit have persisted, with patient violence, drug use and the treatment of Lotus Glen prisoners alongside children presenting major challenges within the ward.  

A whistleblower familiar with the mental health patient who attacked the guard said he needed to be transferred to another facility before a potentially fatal assault occurred. 

“He almost killed him,” the source said of the incident with the guard. 

“Nurses cannot contain him. They do not have the appropriate funding or treatment plan for someone with his level of need. 

“This guy walked out of his room recently and just punched someone in the face.”

Two attacks from the patient in three days led to changes in how frontline staff approach and administer the patient’s medication.  

“He’s still quite dangerous,” the source said.

“Nurses are petrified of him. 

“I think the fact that he almost killed a guard means he should’ve been sent to a higher security facility straight away.

“They have about four security guards when they approach him and at least two nurses.

“The sad thing is he is so unwell and I don’t think he knows what he’s doing but it doesn’t mean he’s not violent and aggressive.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy has met with concerned health workers at Cairns Hospital. Picture: Brendan Radke

Adding to employee’s frustration, a crisis meeting with a Far North MP to resolve issues was attended by Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service’s top boss, hindering discussions, it’s claimed.

Following months of media reports, Member for Cairns Michael Healy arranged to meet with around 20 hospital employees in September.

But against Mr Healy’s expressed wishes, CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh attended the meeting with health workers.

“Everyone was really awkward in the room,” an attendee said.

“It affected the conversation greatly because Leena was quick to jump in.”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chief executive Leena Singh speaks with Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman at a major announcement earlier this year. Picture: Brendan Radke

In response, Ms Singh said she was invited by staff to attend the meeting.  

“Prior to the commencement of the meeting, Mr Healy checked with staff whether they were comfortable with my attendance in the meeting and no objections were made,” she said in a statement. 

“Representatives from the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union were present at the meeting to ensure support for staff.

“The meeting was productive, went beyond the initial allocated time and had high engagement from staff.” 

Artist impressions the Cairns Hospital $70m mental health unit, scheduled to open next year. Picture: Supplied

Establishing a separate unit to treat “forensic patients”, those who have committed a crime but whose mental health status means they cannot face trial, and Lotus Glen prisoners, known as “classifieds”, would improve care, current and former health workers said.    

“Cairns is in desperate need of a unit for our forensic patients and there’s nowhere else for them to go because they need approved addresses,” a source said.

“So many of the patients that are violent are forensic patients as well as being verbally abusive.”

Asked if CHHHS would support a mental health unit for forensic patients and prisoners, a CHHHS spokesman said mental health disorders often required specialised treatment over a long period of time. 

“Long term care is best received in a fit-for-purpose facility, rather than an acute unit, to ensure patients receive dedicated care without the disruption of patients who are suffering severe and immediate mental health episodes,” the spokesman said. 

Cairns’ long-awaited $70m mental health unit, almost three years overdue, is scheduled to open early next year.

Both major parties have committed to reviewing Queensland’s Mental Health Act, if elected, this month.

Originally published as ‘Still quite dangerous’: Whistleblowers call for further changes within Cairns Hospital’s mental health unit