Keira MP Ryan Park.
Member for Keira Ryan Park has called on NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner to intervene after reports health authorities tried to return a nursing home resident to the home where he was suspected of attacking another resident who later died.
Police are investigating the death of 84-year-old Mervyn Campbell who died three days after allegedly being hit repeatedly with a wedge-shaped wooden door-stopper.
Mr Campbell suffered head and arm injuries during the alleged attack in his bed at 11.30am on July 13 at IRT Woonona nursing home.
The elderly suspect is in the care of NSW Health pending the outcome of police inquiries.
The Mercury understands health authorities attempted last week to place the man in the nursing home. Neither Ms Skinner's office nor the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) responded to the claim.
Mr Park said yesterday it was time Ms Skinner took action.
"The minister needs to intervene to see that appropriate accommodation is made available so that this person is placed in the appropriate facility until the police investigation is completed," Mr Park said.
Yesterday Ms Skinner's office refused to respond to Mr Park's call, directing the Mercury's inquiries to the ISLHD.
A spokeswoman for the local health district said yesterday it was "currently caring for an 89-year-old patient allegedly involved in a serious incident at Woonona".
"Since his arrival, appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the patients, as well as staff and other patients," the spokeswoman said.
IRT said the death of Mr Campbell had been distressing for staff and residents.
"The alleged offender is no longer a resident of IRT and is being cared for by the appropriate authorities," chief operating officer Craig Hamer said yesterday.
"We have been working with police and other authorities and will continue to do so."
Mr Hamer said staff had responded to "this isolated incident the best way possible".
"They have supported residents, families and each other with compassion, respect and dignity," he said.
Police said investigations were ongoing.