Locked Mental Health Wards in Queensland: Patients Report Abuse and Neglect

Former patients of locked mental health wards in regional Queensland have come forward with disturbing allegations of physical and sexual assault, as well as subpar care. The claims have sparked renewed calls for regular, independent inspections of these facilities.

Lack of Oversight

Several individuals, who were involuntary patients in various mental health wards, shared their harrowing experiences. Bella, who was a patient at Mackay Base Hospital's inpatient mental health unit, recounted being made uncomfortable by a male patient and fearing for her safety.

"I was in there by myself, and he touched my legs and asked me to come into the bathroom with him," she said. "He wanted me to do sexual activities with him in the psych ward. I was really scared, and I couldn't really get out of the room that I was in."

Bella also reported that the man made inappropriate comments about her body and that other men had exposed themselves to her while she was in the ward.

Data from the Health Ombudsman shows that between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2026, there were 19 complaints about sexual misconduct related to a mental health service provided by a hospital and health service to Queensland's Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO). Four were investigated, and one resulted in immediate action being taken.

Physical Assaults and Poor Care

Elsie, another former patient, claims she was physically attacked by a male patient while she was an involuntary patient in Caboolture Hospital's mental health ward. She described the lack of compassionate care and uncomfortable living conditions.

"I just felt really belittled. They would ask me, ' Do you want to do a wee-wee in the cup for us?' And I'm like, if you want me to do a urine sample, you can just ask that."

Elsie also shared that at one point, she slept on a mattress in a living room area due to a lack of beds.

Calls for Reform

A former independent patient rights adviser, who worked in regional Queensland, expressed concerns about staff behavior and the need for greater transparency. They witnessed some doctors playing "Chinese checkers or a merry-go-round with medications."

"They think, well, if this doesn't work, we'll just try this," they said. "I think sometimes the staff gave people medication to keep them quiet."

The adviser emphasized the importance of regular, independent inspections to reassure patients and their families that Queensland Health is providing a good service.

Implementation of OPCAT

Matilda Alexander, chief executive of Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, stressed the need for Queensland to fully implement the UN's Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT). This would involve setting up independent monitoring bodies for locked mental health wards.

A Queensland Health spokesperson stated that the department is "committed to the safety, privacy and wellbeing of consumers, staff and visitors within inpatient environments."