Emergency services converge on Ballarat Base Hospital as alleged Redan criminal enters roof cavity

A 21-year-old Redan man who caused an emergency at Ballarat’s hospital by entering the roof has been charged with assaulting police.

A Redan man was caught climbing around the roof space at Ballarat Base Hospital’s emergency department, causing panic on Tuesday. Picture: File

An alleged criminal caused a dramatic emergency response at Ballarat Base Hospital when he managed to crawl around in the roof.

The event, which a witness called “disturbing”, stretched back to early on Tuesday.

Police officers allegedly saw several males driving dangerously on mopeds and bikes on Elsworth St in Golden Point about 1.30am.

One of the riders, a 21-year-old from Redan, was intercepted but ran away.

Officers chased him, found him at a nearby home, and used a taser before arresting him.

About midday, the man climbed into the hospital roof.

According to a witness, he did so by locking himself in a bathroom in the ED and climbing into the ceiling through a roof cavity before moving around above the department.

“The situation escalated rapidly,” the witness said.

“It culminated with the patient falling through the ceiling into a staff office.

The Redan man was arrested on Tuesday morning. Picture: File

“This incident not only endangered the patient and hospital staff but also exposed major lapses in the hospital’s security and safety protocols.

“The ease with which a patient could access and navigate the ceiling cavity points to significant oversights that need to be addressed.”

Grampians Health confirmed emergency services were called to an incident at the ED.

“Our staff, who are well-trained in emergency response, activated the necessary procedures and there was no resulting harm,” a spokesman said.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all patients, staff, and visitors within our ED and have security protocols in place to detect and respond swiftly to any incidents.”

Police took the man back into custody about 12.30pm.

The 21-year-old has been charged with assaulting police, unlicensed driving, unregistered motor vehicle, state false name and address, possess proceeds of crime, and drug and bail offences.

He has been remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court in April.