A health clinic in Perth, specifically the Osborne Park location, has become the unwelcome target of a jogger repeatedly using its entryway as a toilet. Recurrent incidents have troubled the clinic’s staff, who have expressed their growing exasperation. CCTV footage suggests that the first occurrence took place in December, initially leading employees of the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia to believe it was a one-off incident attributed to an urgent situation.
However, the jogger has since repeated her actions on multiple occasions, with three further incidents reported. In March, she was nearly caught in the act by a passing vehicle, and by April, footage showed her pausing her fitness tracker before defecating on the disability access ramp. Chief Executive Melita Markey remarked on the serious nature of the situation, stating, “This is a biohazard, posing risks to our staff, clients, and the individual involved,” adding that discovering such unpleasantness each morning is highly distressing for the team.
In response to these repeated disruptions, the clinic has reported the occurrences to local authorities and engaged professional cleaners to manage the aftermath. Additionally, staff erected a sign notifying the jogger that she had been filmed on CCTV. The most recent incident occurred last week, and there are suspicions that a nearby optometrist’s entrance may also have been targeted.
Interestingly, despite the closeness of public toilets and a 24-hour service station, the jogger continues to choose the clinic’s entrance. Clinical psychologist Grant Brecht suggested that her behaviours may hint at underlying psychological issues, possibly linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He speculated that her persistent actions could be driven by an irrational belief that if she didn’t act in this way, something adverse could occur.
Markey expressed concern for the jogger’s wellbeing, characterising her actions as a potential “cry for help.” She extended an open invitation for the individual to seek assistance from their general practitioner, believing that the clinic could offer support she may genuinely need. The combined concern from the clinic’s staff showcases a compassionate approach amidst a challenging situation.