Exclusive: 73-Year-Old Hospital Incident Raises Alarm
A 73-year-old retiree named Vic recently shared a harrowing experience he endured at Monash Health’s Moorabbin Hospital. Hoping for medical assistance for a cyst in his throat and emphysema, he instead found himself at the centre of a troubling confrontation with hospital security. In an attempt to leave due to perceived mistreatment, Vic claims he was forcibly restrained and choked by a security guard, an allegation that has sparked his ongoing quest for justice over the past year.
The incident, originally reported last year, was captured on body-worn camera footage which Vic managed to obtain. While the hospital asserts that Vic provoked the situation, he maintains that he was the victim of unwarranted aggression. In the audio recording, he can be heard pleading, "That’s me throat, you’re hurting me throat," as he struggles against the hold.
Despite enduring this distressing ordeal and feeling violated, Vic expressed his frustration with how the hospital has handled the matter. "I’m still disgusted with what they did to me; you shouldn’t do that, and the hospital did nothing about it," he told 9News. He described the footage as difficult to revisit, revealing the emotional scars left by the encounter.
Vic’s ordeal began when he sought treatment at the hospital in March, intending to have a tracheostomy. Discontent with the care he received, he decided to transfer to another facility. However, he alleges that the security guard treated him as "his property,"refusing to allow him to leave. The situation escalated, with the hospital staff describing Vic as aggressive and in need of medication as tensions rose.
Following the incident, Vic filed complaints with both Monash Health and Victoria Police, leading to a substantial correspondence trail. He articulated feelings of being treated like an “old tin can kicked down the road,” expressing anger over the physical restraint he experienced.
In response, Monash Health defended its actions, stating its obligation to ensure the safety of patients and staff. They argued that the security team acted appropriately given the circumstances, implying that Vic’s behaviour presented a threat during the event. They confirmed that a thorough review concluded that all protocols were followed, while maintaining confidentiality in line with patient privacy obligations.
Vic, however, remains unsatisfied with this response, believing it fails to acknowledge the gravity of his experience. He wants accountability and a change in how similar situations are managed, emphasising the need for compassion in healthcare settings. The psychological impact of the incident continues to weigh heavily on him, as he seeks recognition and justice for what he views as an unjust treatment.