Justin Berkhout's family unable to farewell him
By Kate Sikora, dtm
April 24, 2008 12:00am
HOSPITAL staff have been accused of derailing a police investigation into the death of a patient, whose parents are still waiting to scatter his ashes.
Justin Berkhout, 29, committed suicide last July after being left alone in a room despite concerns over his mental health.
His parents Yvonne and Adrian Berkhout, of Wagga Wagga, have been waiting for 10 months, unable to scatter their son's ashes while a coroner awaits a report from police.
The Daily Telegraph understands some staff at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital have not given statements to police. Only 12 of 24 requested statements had been received by police who told the family they were frustrated with the delays.
A lawyer acting for the family said it was insulting no one had been held accountable over the death.
"The family are incredibly disappointed at the lack of progress of the investigation undertaken by the hospital," Robert Mooy said.
The Greater Southern Area Health Service, in charge of Wagga Wagga Hospital, refused to comment on the matter.
About Me
- JENNY'S RED NEWS
- Dear Fellow Bloggers, For some time I have thought about starting a left of centre news and commentary service and I have tried to do this by using email. But as some good, but email overloaded friends have suggested, a better way to go may be by blogging. So here it is! Jenny's Red News. My primary interests are left of centre politics and the very important question of how can we get left of centre parties, groups and grouplets in Australia working together more co-operatively. The right of centre predominates politics in this country at the present time, and they are on the march. We on the left of centre need to work together more co-operatively and constructively to put the left of centre agenda out there, for the perusal and consumption of the Australian people. Particular topics that will be reported on and on which comments are welcome are: Industrial relations - Opposition to Workchoices Refugee and Asylum Seekers Human Rights Civil Liberties Opposition to the Welfare to Work Changes Health System Reform Aboriginal Health and Reconciliation Jenny Haines posted by JENNY'S RED NEWS at 12:50 AM 0 comments