Patrina Pascoe death: Debbie Kilroy calls for review of Cairns Lyons St ‘drunk tank’ funding

The nation’s peak advocacy group for incarcerated women has called for immediate review of funding for a Cairns ‘drunk tank’ following the tragic death of Cape York mum Patrina Pascoe at a Cairns sobering-up facility.

The Diversionary Centre on Lyons St, Bungalow.

The nation’s peak advocacy group for incarcerated woman has called for an immediate review of Anglicare NQ funding following the death of a Cape York mother at a Cairns sobering-up facility.

The Cairns Post revealed last week that police were investigating the sudden death of 32-year-old Lockhart River woman Patrina Pascoe after she was admitted to the Lyons St Diversionary Centre in late December last year.

Ms Pascoe’s death is now also being reviewed by the coroner.

As published in the exclusive report by the Cairns Post, a whistleblower formally employed at the Bungalow facility claimed the intoxicated woman received a substandard level of care after being picked up by the outreach bus on Lake St.

Patrina Pascoe aged 32 died at the Lyons St Diversionary Centre on December 31, 2023. Her cause of death is yet to be determined. Picture: Supplied

She was taken to the centre, she went to sleep and was later discovered dead in her bed.

But not until 2.30pm the following day.

Crucial bed checks, mandated every 15-30 minutes, were allegedly missed.

Debbie Kilroy of the National Network of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls said no person should ever die at a sobering-up unit.

“This (alleged) gross negligence is unacceptable ... Ms Pascoe’s life mattered and so does her death, action must be taken,” she said.

“This facility, designed to provide safety and support, has (allegedly) failed its fundamental duty.

“The Lyons St Diversionary Centre has (allegedly) demonstrated a lack of commitment to the wellbeing and safety of its clients.

Debbie Kilroy of Sisters Inside (centre) with Neta-Rie Mabo, and Ruby Wharton at Shields St Cairns last year. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Such (an alleged) lapse in care is not only a breach of trust but also a grave injustice to the vulnerable people relying on these services.”

Ms Kilroy has called for an urgent independent investigation into Ms Pascoe’s death, a comprehensive review of operational procedures and the stripping of government funding advanced to Anglicare NQ to run the service.

First Nations woman Patrina Pascoe died aged 32 at the Lyons St Diversionary Centre in December 2023. Picture: Supplied

Ms Pascoe’s cause of death is yet to be determined. Picture: Supplied

Referencing the death of Benjamin Ware who died in 2005 after being admitted to the troubled centre, scathing comments from investigating Coroner at the time, Kevin Priestly, and current allegedly dysfunction at the centre, Ms Kilroy said systemic failures appeared to have created an unsafe environment.

“It’s imperative that immediate steps are taken to prevent further tragedies,” she said.

Debbie Kilroy has called for a review of Anglicare NQ funding used to run the Lyons St Diversionary Centre in Bungalow.

“The death of Patrina Pascoe is a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of those suffering from alcoholism and the responsibility of healthcare providers to protect and support them – Anglicare’s failure to do so must be addressed with urgency to prevent further loss of life,” Ms Kilroy said.

Anglicare NQ declined to comment on the death of Ms Pascoe.

“We respect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of those involved,” a spokeswoman said.

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Originally published as Patrina Pascoe death: Debbie Kilroy calls for review of Cairns Lyons St ‘drunk tank’ funding