Nurses had raised concerns about the safety of a patient prior to a tragic incident at Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast, where Kevin Farr, a former police officer, was fatally attacked by another patient in 2023. Farr, a devoted father and decorated officer, had been admitted to a specialist ward following a dementia diagnosis.
Farr’s family contends that the circumstances surrounding his death could have been avoided had appropriate protocols been adhered to. His former wife, Christine Hawke, expressed her belief that better procedures might have saved his life. Reports suggest that questions linger regarding how the assailant gained access to Farr’s room and whether adequate supervision and medication were provided.
An internal investigation revealed that nurses had indeed communicated worries about the patient responsible for the attack. Notably, the report highlighted that this patient had not received medical reviews or progress notes for extended periods—ten days on one occasion and eight days on another—despite exhibiting concerning behavioural crises.
Additionally, the review indicated systemic issues within the Gold Coast Health Service, noting a failure to establish suitable models of care and treatment pathways, which directly affected patient outcomes. This revelation horrified Farr’s family, who were not informed about these serious concerns until contacted by media representatives. They expressed profound disappointment over the perceived lack of transparency from hospital officials.
Hawke lamented feeling misled from the outset, suggesting that the hospital was attempting to cover up its lapses in responsibility. She stated a desire for the matter to be addressed openly rather than hidden away, stressing the need for accountability.
Farr’s family has reported no communication or apology from hospital administration in light of the findings, and they remain hopeful that improvements can be made to prevent future tragedies. In response, the Gold Coast Health Service confirmed its commitment to implementing the recommendations from the review to enhance patient care and safety.