Police have reopened their investigation into the cause of injuries sustained by an 83-year-old woman at Hornsby Hospital.
Family members of the woman, known only as Mrs B, appeared on national television last night to express their dismay at the injuries the elderly woman had received – with hospital staff saying she had suffered “a fall” while in hospital.
Her family say they were told she had suffered two falls while in their care – the second knocking her unconscious.
Her daughter, Tracey McCarthy told 9 News she was shocked when she visited her mother after the alleged fall.
“I was shocked – I couldn’t believe the state…couldn’t believe it was the same lady,” she said.
“It was really overwhelming and heartbreaking.
“She’s my mum – no one wants to see your mum like that. She’s elderly and it was her birthday her 83rd birthday.”
Ms McCarthy told 9 News she was “livid” that no one at the hospital had contacted her regarding her mother’s condition, saying the elderly woman looked “like she’s been nine rounds with Mike Tyson”.
“She had no family member there to comfort her.. she would have been in a lot of pain, she wouldn’t have known what was going on.”
A spokesman for Northern Sydney Local Health District has offered an “unreserved apology” to the family.
“Hornsby Hospital made contact with the family of this patient last week to provide an unreserved apology and to offer further support,” the spokesperson said.
“An investigation into the care experienced by this patient while in hospital is underway. The investigation will include a review of the falls, communication with the family and the discharge process.
“Despite several falls prevention strategies being put in place while in hospital, the patient unfortunately suffered two falls.
“Hospital staff are undertaking a review of the processes around the discharge of the patient, and the hospital has also apologised to the family.”
However, today two hospital staffers have reportedly come forward with accounts of alleged improper treatment of Mrs B.
One whistleblower has told media he had seen Mrs B, who suffers from dementia, walking toward a lift when she was physically restrained and dragged backward by hospital staff.
A second staffer claims police did not review video footage during their first investigation.
