WA:Bashed nurse's fiance says attack should not be glossed over

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2004
WA:Bashed nurse's fiance says attack should not be glossed over

The fiance of a psychiatric nurse who was bashed by a patient says the attack should
signal the final straw in the underfunding of mental health services in Western Australia.

DEBBIE FREEMAN was left in a coma with serious head injuries after being bashed at
the mental health unit of Swan Health Service last month.

The 43-year-old's partner KEVIN MELLICAN says he wants the state government to examine
problems within the mental health sector.

Mr MELLICAN says the issue of nurse safety doesn't get much attention from politicians
because it isn't a vote-winner.

Fellow nurses at the Swan Health Service mental health unit threatened strike action
following the attack on Ms FREEMAN.

Health minister JIM MCGINTY has rejected claims under-resourcing contributed to the
assault, but he's agreed to review services at the unit.





Twenty-three-year-old DES ANZAC TARAU hasn't yet been deemed fit enough to plead to
charges relating to Ms FREEMAN's assault, including grievous bodily harm.

He will remain under psychiatric assessment at another Perth hospital until next month.

AAP RTV tc/mj/rp >

KEYWORD: NURSE (PERTH)

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