Charges laid following patient death at The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Following the death of a patient at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, WorkSafe Victoria — Victoria’s work health and safety regulator — has charged Melbourne Health.

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

Under section 23(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Melbourne Health faces one charge for failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.

For failing to ensure a workplace under its management and control was safe and without risks to health, Melbourne Health is also facing one charge under section 26(1) of the OHS Act.

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

If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, help is available. Lifeline has a 24/7 crisis support service: please call 13 11 14.

Image credit: iStock.com/Mujie