Hospital defends treatment of man later shot by police

Cairns Hospital's chief executive has defended the treatment provided to a man who was shot by police hours after he was released from hospital.Police took the 28-year-old to hospital on Friday night under an emergency examination authority after he was allegedly found jumping naked on cars near a major Cairns shopping centre.He was released from hospital within hours and, on Saturday evening, was shot by police while allegedly armed with two knives.Officers also accidentally shot a 50-year-old bystander while responding to the incident.The Queensland Police Union (QPU) has demanded any investigation into the shooting extend to the man's earlier presentation and discharge from hospital.QPU general president Shane Prior said it took six officers to restrain the man at the shopping centre.Police took the man to hospital under an emergency order the night before he was shot. (ABC News: Conor Byrne)The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) previously told the ABC the man's treatment began within half an hour of his arrival at the emergency department.At parliamentary budget estimates in Brisbane yesterday, CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh defended the hospital's actions, under questioning from Labor MP Mark Bailey."I can confirm the particular individual received the appropriate medical treatment on his presentation," Ms Singh told the hearing.In a further statement to the ABC, Ms Singh said a preliminary review found CHHHS clinicians "acted appropriately and in accordance with Queensland Health policies, relevant legislation and their professional clinical judgement"."Our health service works closely with Queensland Police Service and other partner agencies every day to provide the best possible care for our community."We remain committed to that strong collaboration."The man has been charged with eight offences, including wilful damage, attempted robbery and going armed to cause fear.He is due to appear in court tomorrow, having had his case adjourned twice this week while recovering in hospital from the shooting.Leena Singh addressed the incident at budget estimates. (ABC Far North: Christopher Testa/File)A spokeswoman for Health Minister Tim Nicholls said Queensland Health worked with investigating police "including examining interactions between the alleged perpetrator and the health system".The police Ethical Standards Command is investigating the shootings.Cairns MP Michael Healy said the man's hospital presentation and discharge needed thorough investigation."I would then expect to see some kind of communication to the broader public as to what measures [CHHHS] have taken to ensure it doesn't happen again," he said."Very reasonably the community would expect some answers to this and I think they are well and truly within their rights to ask that."Specific criteria to detain patientsCHHHS answered general questions about the process followed when a patient was detained and brought to hospital under an emergency examination authority.It said they were assessed by qualified clinicians after a comprehensive clinical assessment.However, hospitals did not have legal authority to detain a person against their wishes unless specific criteria were met under the Mental Health Act.The Cairns Hospital assessed and treated the man the night before he was shot by police while allegedly armed. (ABC News: Conor Byrne)"Patients experiencing drug or alcohol-related mental health symptoms are assessed and treated using the same clinical principles as any other mental health presentation, with care tailored to their individual needs," Ms Singh said in a written statement."Any patient needing ongoing care will be provided a bed."Approximately 40 per cent of all presentations to the emergency department result in the patient being admitted to hospital."Where appropriate, patients are referred for follow-up care on discharge."Information is shared with other agencies only where clinically appropriate and authorised under relevant legislation."