Security guard chokes pensioner in hospital amid shocking safety claim
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Hospitals are meant to offer comfort and care, especially for those in their later years, when support matters most.
But not every visit goes as expected. One Aussie's recent experience has raised troubling questions about what really happens behind closed doors.
What was meant to be a routine check-up turned into something far more upsetting. Concerns around treatment, communication, and patient dignity have since come to light. And now, some are wondering—how could this happen in a place meant to heal?
A Shocking Incident Caught on Camera
After more than a year of fighting for justice, Vic managed to obtain body-worn camera footage of the incident.
The audio is confronting: 'That’s me throat, you’re hurting me throat,' Vic can be heard pleading as he’s pushed down and held in a hospital chair, a security guard’s hand at his neck.
Even 15 months later, Vic says the footage is difficult to watch.
'What they did to me was terrible, and nobody cares,' he said. 'I’m still disgusted by what they did to me. You shouldn’t do that, and the hospital did nothing about it.'
A Dispute Over What Happened
The hospital, for its part, claims Vic was the aggressor. In correspondence with Vic, Monash Health stated, 'Your behaviour became aggressive and you took hold of a fire extinguisher still on the wall ... the staff present felt threatened.'
The bodycam footage also records a hospital worker saying, 'He’s being aggressive, he needs to be medicated,' during the struggle.
Vic, who has a cochlear implant and says he struggled to hear what was happening, insists he was trying to leave after being dissatisfied with his treatment.
I was disgusted with how I was being treated, so I wanted to go to another hospital. He wouldn’t let me go—I was his property,' Vic said.
He admits he was angry, but says it was because he felt trapped and mistreated.
'I was angry because they wouldn’t let me go, I was angry because they were assaulting me. What am I supposed to do?'
The Hospital’s Response
Monash Health has stood by its staff, saying, 'Monash Health has a duty to take all reasonably practicable steps, including de-escalation, to protect patients and staff from the consequences of aggressive behaviours, including by taking appropriate steps to prevent patients from harming themselves. Monash Health conducted a thorough review of this incident, concluding that all teams involved acted appropriately. We also supported Victoria Police in investigating the matter.'
Due to privacy laws, the hospital declined to comment further.
A Broader Issue: Patient Rights and Hospital Security
This incident raises important questions about the rights of patients, especially older Australians, in hospital settings.
While hospitals must protect staff and other patients from harm, it’s equally vital that vulnerable individuals are treated with respect and that force is only ever used as a last resort.
Unfortunately, stories like Vic’s aren’t isolated. Across Australia, there have been reports of hospital security staff using heavy-handed tactics, sometimes with devastating consequences for elderly or disabled patients.
The balance between safety and compassion is a delicate one, and hospitals must have clear protocols, regular staff training, and independent oversight to ensure everyone’s rights are protected.
What Should You Do If You Feel Unsafe in Hospital?
If you or someone you know feels unsafe or mistreated in a hospital, it’s essential to speak up, document the incident, and involve a support person.
You can make a formal complaint through the hospital’s process or contact your state’s Health Complaints Commissioner.
For serious concerns, legal advice or help from an advocacy group may also be needed.
Vic’s story is a sobering reminder that even in places meant for healing, things can go wrong.
It’s vital that we keep talking about these issues, demand transparency, and push for better protections for all patients, especially our seniors.
Have you or someone you know ever felt unsafe or mistreated in a hospital? Do you think hospitals are doing enough to protect both patients and staff? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Read more: ‘He could have just died’: 15-hour hospital wait leaves family fearing the worst
But not every visit goes as expected. One Aussie's recent experience has raised troubling questions about what really happens behind closed doors.
What was meant to be a routine check-up turned into something far more upsetting. Concerns around treatment, communication, and patient dignity have since come to light. And now, some are wondering—how could this happen in a place meant to heal?
A Shocking Incident Caught on Camera
After more than a year of fighting for justice, Vic managed to obtain body-worn camera footage of the incident.
The audio is confronting: 'That’s me throat, you’re hurting me throat,' Vic can be heard pleading as he’s pushed down and held in a hospital chair, a security guard’s hand at his neck.
A 73-year-old pensioner was allegedly choked and restrained by a security guard after asking to leave Moorabbin Hospital due to poor treatment. Credit: Depositphotos
Even 15 months later, Vic says the footage is difficult to watch.
'What they did to me was terrible, and nobody cares,' he said. 'I’m still disgusted by what they did to me. You shouldn’t do that, and the hospital did nothing about it.'
A Dispute Over What Happened
The hospital, for its part, claims Vic was the aggressor. In correspondence with Vic, Monash Health stated, 'Your behaviour became aggressive and you took hold of a fire extinguisher still on the wall ... the staff present felt threatened.'
The bodycam footage also records a hospital worker saying, 'He’s being aggressive, he needs to be medicated,' during the struggle.
Vic, who has a cochlear implant and says he struggled to hear what was happening, insists he was trying to leave after being dissatisfied with his treatment.
I was disgusted with how I was being treated, so I wanted to go to another hospital. He wouldn’t let me go—I was his property,' Vic said.
He admits he was angry, but says it was because he felt trapped and mistreated.
'I was angry because they wouldn’t let me go, I was angry because they were assaulting me. What am I supposed to do?'
The Hospital’s Response
Monash Health has stood by its staff, saying, 'Monash Health has a duty to take all reasonably practicable steps, including de-escalation, to protect patients and staff from the consequences of aggressive behaviours, including by taking appropriate steps to prevent patients from harming themselves. Monash Health conducted a thorough review of this incident, concluding that all teams involved acted appropriately. We also supported Victoria Police in investigating the matter.'
Due to privacy laws, the hospital declined to comment further.
A Broader Issue: Patient Rights and Hospital Security
This incident raises important questions about the rights of patients, especially older Australians, in hospital settings.
While hospitals must protect staff and other patients from harm, it’s equally vital that vulnerable individuals are treated with respect and that force is only ever used as a last resort.
Unfortunately, stories like Vic’s aren’t isolated. Across Australia, there have been reports of hospital security staff using heavy-handed tactics, sometimes with devastating consequences for elderly or disabled patients.
The balance between safety and compassion is a delicate one, and hospitals must have clear protocols, regular staff training, and independent oversight to ensure everyone’s rights are protected.
What Should You Do If You Feel Unsafe in Hospital?
If you or someone you know feels unsafe or mistreated in a hospital, it’s essential to speak up, document the incident, and involve a support person.
You can make a formal complaint through the hospital’s process or contact your state’s Health Complaints Commissioner.
For serious concerns, legal advice or help from an advocacy group may also be needed.
Vic’s story is a sobering reminder that even in places meant for healing, things can go wrong.
It’s vital that we keep talking about these issues, demand transparency, and push for better protections for all patients, especially our seniors.
Read more: ‘He could have just died’: 15-hour hospital wait leaves family fearing the worst
