Mother sues hospital over son's death in mental health unit
Donna Knight sued Central Coast Local Health District after her son Jamie died by suicide in its mental health unit in 2022.
Jamie Knight was 24 years old. Jamie died in February 2022 after a suicide attempt at Gosford Mental Health Centre on the NSW Central Coast.
Jamie was taken to the hospital's intensive care unit. Jamie died three days later from lack of oxygen and blood to the brain.
Donna Knight says the health district failed to properly assess safety risks. These included the design of the ensuite door in his room and a broken duress button.
After his death, Knight demanded changes. She got all ensuite doors and cupboard doors removed from the ward to prevent future deaths.
Her legal team says the facility failed to follow proper monitoring and risk management procedures for a high-risk patient.
Why it mattersThe case asks if mental health facilities follow documented safety procedures for suicide prevention. It also asks if their physical design protects vulnerable patients.
AustraliaThe lawsuit raises safety concerns at Australian mental health units and may prompt reviews of facility design and emergency protocols across NSW and other states.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 22 h ago
