Barwon Health fronts court after death of patient at Swanston Centre in 2022

Barwon Health has fronted court after it was charged over the death of a patient in 2022 by the state’s workplace regulator.

The Swanston Centre in Geelong.

Barwon Health has fronted court after being charged over the death of a patient two years ago in its psychiatric unit.

The organisation appeared at the Geelong Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning for a brief hearing.

In 2022, a woman took her own life while undergoing treatment at the Swanston Centre in Geelong.

Barwon Health is now facing two charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of failing to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, people other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.

Melissa Greeves from Minter Ellison, acting for Barwon Health, raised concerns to the court about the particulars of the case being released to the media as the matter was still in its early stages.

However, magistrate Peter Mellas granted an application for the charge sheets and particulars to be released.

Mr Mellas said the documents formed a part of the court record and were to be released so the case could be reported on fairly and accurately.

The documents state the women’s death occurred on December 26, 2022.

It states the organisation allegedly failed to implement measures to eliminate risks to the patient’s safety.

This allegedly included not conducting a documented search of the patient’s room when it was suspected she may have stored items of risk and implementing safety measures in a private bathroom.

The prosecution asked for six weeks to compile their brief of evidence, which is to be handed up by February 18.

The matter will return to court for a committal mention on April 8.

Barwon Health said it was unable to comment on the matter as it was before court.

If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Barwon Health fronts court after death of patient at Swanston Centre in 2022