Police probe patient’s death after attack in hospital psych ward

An investigation has been launched into the death of a 39-year-old man who was attacked by another patient in the psychiatric unit of a public hospital on Brisbane’s southside.

Police said the “sudden death investigation” began after they attended the scene at the unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba in May.

It is unclear whether the attack itself caused the man’s death or if it triggered an underlying medical condition.

The Corrective Services Investigation Unit was preparing a report for the coroner, police added.

The 39-year-old died on May 4, but information was not made public until hospital staff contacted 9News, saying the public needed to know about the incident.

Staff have also raised questions about how the attack was allowed to happen.

A statement sent on Monday afternoon by Queensland Health said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the patient’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.

“As this matter is currently the subject of an investigation by the state coroner, it would be inappropriate to provide specific details or further information at this time.”

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said he had spoken to Health Minister Tim Nicholls about the death, and a thorough investigation was required.

If it was found that the man’s death was caused by the attack, there would have to be “sincere followthrough”, Crisafulli said.

“If there is a link, then there has to be some questions around those processes, and it is fit and proper that there is probity,” he said.

“There isn’t that link at this stage, but an investigation does need to occur.”

News of the death at the PA Hospital came weeks after 9News revealed a report had identified failings at Robina Hospital, on the Gold Coast, where former police officer Kevin Farr was killed by a patient in 2023.

That investigation found nurses had raised concerns about the man who killed Farr. He had not received a medical review in days “despite repeated behavioural crisis and escalations by nursing staff”.

Last year, an independent review commissioned by the state government found inadequate staffing contributed to deaths at Prince Charles Hospital, also run by Queensland Health.

Three people died by suicide and two survived attempts at the northside hospital’s mental health unit between December 2022 and April 2024.

The review found that at two psychiatric wards at the hospital there were staff shortages and inpatient facilities were “no longer fit for purpose” to meet current guidelines.

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