Multiple failings in care provided to woman in relation to an assault in the ED

An independent review has identified multiple failings in the care provided to a woman who was assaulted while accompanying a friend experiencing a mental health crisis at a hospital emergency department. Hospital staff repeatedly ignored the support person's safety concerns and failed to notify the police during the incident.

The findings highlight systemic breakdowns in emergency department procedures regarding the safety and protection of visitors and support persons accompanying vulnerable patients undergoing mental health crises.