Overview
- The 31-year-old, yet to be formally identified, was found about 2am Monday inside a room in the centre’s acute mental health ward.
- Victoria Police say the man under guard was known to the deceased and was yet to be interviewed, and the scene was later cleared with inquiries continuing.
- Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas called the incident very distressing as police established a crime scene, and Barwon Health offered condolences and staff support.
- WorkSafe Victoria will examine the incident for potential further action, while the Health and Community Services Union urged legislated staffing ratios and raised safety concerns.
- Barwon Health faces ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny, including workplace-law charges over a 2022 suicide and a 2024 coronial inquest, and police urged witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers.