Townsville hospital patient dead following in-ward assault

Townsville hospital says an internal review will be completed after a man died from injuries as a result of being assaulted by a patient.

A patient has died after he was assaulted by another patient on Tuesday night. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

A Townsville University Hospital patient has tragically died after being assaulted by another patient.

Police confirmed a report was being prepared for the coroner following the death of a 77-year-old patient at the Townsville University Hospital overnight on Wednesday.

It is understood the fight occurred between two men in their 70s who were patients within the hospital on Tuesday night.

The deceased patient suffered critical injuries during the assault and was fighting for life throughout Wednesday.

In a statement on Thursday, Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Kieran Keyes extended his “deepest condolences” to the family of the patient.

“As this is an ongoing police investigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any details relating to this incident,” he said.

“I’d like to reassure the community the safety of our patients, their families, and our staff is our highest priority, and we continue to work closely with the Queensland Police Service to assist them with their investigations as they prepare a report for the coroner.”

He said the Queensland Work Health and Safety regulator had also been notified and internal reviews would be undertaken as part of the hospital’s standard review process of any serious incident.

“We are offering support to any patients, families and staff involved and will continue to do so for as long as necessary,” Mr Keyes said.

Originally published as Townsville hospital patient dead following in-ward assault