Woman pays $62,000 for wellness retreat, falls in room, staff don't come for hours
A woman paid $62,000 for three weeks at a retreat, fell in her room and waited two hours for staff to help.
Michelle stayed at Six Seasons Recovery near Margaret River. The retreat is run by failed builder Danny Coyne.
She fell in her room. Michelle grabbed a steel bin and hit the floor over and over to alert staff.
No one came for two hours. Michelle then went to hospital.
After that, she went to a proper mental health facility. The Australian Medical Association WA told 7NEWS it has serious concerns.
Medical and skilled staff are lacking. These staff work with vulnerable clients.
Two government agencies are now investigating. They are the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office and Consumer Protection.
Consumer Protection is expected to look at high-pressure sales tactics and the no-refund policy. Coyne said he is overseas.
He will not return for several weeks. He has before denied the claims.
He says all staff have the right skills.
- $62,000
- Amount paid upfront
- Three weeks
- Stay duration
- Two hours
- Time awaiting staff help
- Danny Coyne, failed builder
- Retreat operator
Why it mattersAddiction and mental health retreats handle vulnerable people. A lack of proper medical staff and oversight puts clients at risk.
AustraliaThe investigation affects WA residents seeking private addiction treatment and highlights gaps in oversight of unaccredited health facilities in Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
