St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne has been charged in connection with the death of Makalie Watts-Owen, a young Aboriginal woman who died by suicide while admitted to its mental health unit in February 2024. The family of Ms. Watts-Owen has consented to the use of her name and image.
WorkSafe Victoria confirmed the hospital is facing two charges for allegedly "failing to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks."
Sharon Watts, Makalie's mother, stated that the hospital failed her daughter and emphasized the need for accountability to prevent similar occurrences. She viewed WorkSafe's announcement as a step toward achieving justice.
A spokesperson for St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne offered condolences to Makalie Watts-Owen's family but declined further comment due to the ongoing WorkSafe investigation.
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is representing Ms. Watts and supporting her family in their pursuit of answers. VALS chief executive Nerita Waight expressed concern about the safety of vulnerable people within hospital settings, particularly for Aboriginal communities.
Makalie Watts-Owen died a month before her 24th birthday. Her death was raised during Victoria's truth-telling inquiry last year, within an investigation into health system injustices.
Siobhan Doyle, VALS principal managing lawyer, highlighted that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals experience higher rates of mental health issues, self-harm, and suicide. She underscored the necessity of holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally capable healthcare to mitigate risks.
The matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on February 17.