Hospital workers speak up, new details on report into dead veteran’s treatment

Hospital insiders have weighed in on the state of Townsville’s mental health unit amid a review into the treatment of a veteran killed by police hours after his release.

Hospital insiders have weighed in on the state of Townsville’s mental health units, as its boss revealed the findings into the treatment of veteran Steven Angus would be released within months.

The new details come after Kirwan veteran Steven Angus, 52, was released from Townsville University Hospital just hours after being involved in a police siege where he threatened to take his life on Thursday.

Mr Angus was released from the hospital the next morning without “proper” treatment, and he died nine hours later after being fatally shot by police when he ran at them while armed with knives.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service has committed to a full clinical investigation into the incident after Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers declared Mr Angus would still be alive if proper care was given.

Steven Angus was fatally shot by police at a Kirwan house on Friday.

Chief executive Kieran Keyes revealed on Tuesday new details of the review, including that any recommendations would be released mid-year.

“All factors relating to Mr Angus’s presentation and care will form part of a comprehensive clinical review. This review will involve clinical experts independent of the health service,” Mr Keyes said.

“The full clinical review will be provided to the Coroner.

“I acknowledge that there has been a range of public commentary which has not been informed by a complete understanding of what has transpired.

“I commit to sharing any recommendations arising out of this review, which I expect will be

completed by July.

“Again, my thoughts and sympathies are with Mr Angus’s family and loved ones.”

THHS chief executive Kieran Keyes. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Angus was taken to hospital by ambulance after a lengthy siege with police on Thursday evening where he was threatening to harm himself, which officers were able to resolve peacefully and safely.

He was admitted to the hospital very intoxicated, but did not receive “proper” treatment and was released on Friday morning. Nine hours later, police were called to Mr Angus’ house again but this time he was armed with knives and ran at officers. He was fatally shot.

Hospital insiders say under usual practice, a patient with mental health concerns is brought into the emergency department, assessed by a nurse, then taken into the acute mental health unit if a short-term stay is necessary.

Police on scene at a Kirwan home where a man was shot dead by police on Friday night.

The length of time they stay in the units is dependent on the patient’s condition.

They said the mental health units were “always looking for staff”.

The Courier-Mail asked Townsville University Hospital about how busy the emergency department was the night Mr Angus presented, how many patients were admitted to the mental health unit that night, and how full the unit was.

Mr Keyes said it was “inappropriate” to provide further details as the clinical review was underway.

Police on scene at a Kirwan home where a man was shot dead by police on Friday night.