Health service charged after death in emergency care

WorkSafe has charged a public healthcare provider following the death of a patient at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Melbourne Health faces one charge under section 23(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks, and one charge under section 26(1) of the OHS Act for failing to ensure a workplace under its management and control was safe and without risks to health.

The patient took their own life after being admitted to the hospital for an emergency mental health assessment in June 2024.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 2 June 2026.