An investigation has been launched into a Queensland hospital after recordings emerged of a nurse allegedly telling a mental health patient to “die at home”.
Single mum-of-four Kristina Smith has struggled with severe mental illness including borderline personality disorder, depression and anxiety but says her children are the glue holding her together.
“That’s what has kept me together most times is my children,” she told 9News.
Smith is a regular patient at Caboolture Hospital’s mental health ward.
In April 2021, Smith recorded a conversation with a nurse who she claims was angry with her for arriving at the hospital after earlier attempting to take her own life at home.
“I don’t know why you are here … why can’t you die at home?” the nurse said in recordings obtained by 9News.
“I tried that,” Smith responded.
“Well, you’re not real good at it,” the nurse said.
Smith said the nurse’s comments have stayed with her as she continues her mental health battle.
“I have tried to do it again since then. It’s something that you think about when you are doing it again,” she said.
Smith conceded she is far from the perfect patient and admitted she has had run-ins with staff, arguments with security and has been warned about her behaviour.
“I can be very, very – what word can you put it as – difficult,” she said.
But Smith said no patient should ever be told to “die at home”.
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“I still don’t deserve to be told to do that,” she said.
“Treat patients like they’re human beings, don’t judge them.”
Smith reported the nurse to Queensland Health.
Since then, she has had email correspondence back and forth with the department but never had any clarification on whether or not an investigation took place or whether the nurse was disciplined for her behaviour.
Queensland Health’s acting chief executive Jane Hancock said in a statement: “I take this opportunity to apologise publicly.
“Behaviour of this nature is unacceptable and not reflective of our values and high standards.
“An investigation has been completed and disciplinary action taken.
“An apology was offered at the time of the complaint. We will reach out directly to discuss any ongoing concerns.
“All complaints are investigated, and we use the learnings to improve our care.
“This incident is not representative of our hard-working and dedicated staff.”
Caboolture Hospital is also being externally investigated for its misdiagnosis of a baby suffering a potentially life-threatening skin infection.
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