Victorian hospital, aged care facility charged over equipment failure

The hospital tending to an aged care resident who died following a reclining chair accident, has been charged by the Victorian safe work authority. 

During the incident, the 93-year-old resident fell when the back of the chair allegedly detached as a staff member tried to move it in October 2021.

The woman was a resident of Benalla Health’s Morrie Evans Wing in Benalla 212km northeast of Melbourne when she fractured one of her ribs during the accident. She died a week later.

It’s alleged the hospital and aged care provider failed to make sure chairs used to transport residents were regularly assessed for safety.

The case will appear before the Benalla Magistrates Court next month.