Northern Beaches Hospital CEO Andrew Newton knew safety risks months before man died
An external risk assessment on the internal design at Northern Beaches Hospital recommended major changes be made months before a man tragically died.
Manly
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The boss of Northern Beaches Hospital’s wrote a letter to government inspectors acknowledging potential safety issues at the hospital more than four months before a man died.
CEO Andrew Newton wrote to SafeWork NSW on September 2 — his first day in the job — about alleged safety issues regarding the internal design of the building.
He was writing in response to a letter the safety authority sent to private operator Healthscope in August.
It follows an incident where a patient died in a well-known public space of the hospital last month.
The Manly Daily is not going to name the space where there have been concerns, because the incident relates to a suspected suicide and a previous possible attempted suicide.
In the letter Mr Newton wrote: “The hospital is aware of the potential issues and has been actively working to address potential risks.”
He said the hospital had commissioned Riskcom, an external risk assessor to investigate the alleged risks the design posed particularly in relation to mental health patients, those who are drug affected, children and those with dementia.
Among the recommendations were some short-term actions to help “mitigate risks” including ensuring ward doors are kept closed and an increased security presence in the area to react to “possible incidents”.
Both recommendations were implemented before the letter was written.
Other more expensive options, including additional construction, were also recommended.
“The assessment of these control measures and what sort of additional construction is reasonably practicable is being treated as a priority,” Mr Newton wrote in September.
A source said there had been some alterations to Level 4, but to date the main recommendations had not been implemented.
In a statement to the Manly Daily Mr Newton said since 2019, Northern Beaches Hospital had taken a number of steps to improve safety and security, including locking doors to wards, as appropriate.
“Improvements include both structural and administrative controls,” he said.
“There are interim measures in place and long-term measures that will be addressed.
“In March, works will begin which will limit access to the specialist consulting suites only.
“We are continuing to work with SafeWork NSW, as well as architects, builders and safety consultants on any further, long-term measures needed.”
Police are investigating the death of a man at the hospital last month. A report is being compiled for the coroner.
The Manly Daily took advice from Mindframe as to the best wording for this article.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For mental health services in your local area call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.