Wollongong detectives are investigating the death of an 84-year-old nursing home resident who was allegedly bashed by another resident.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mervyn Campbell died three days after allegedly being hit repeatedly with a wedge-shaped wooden door-stopper at the IRT Woonona nursing home.
Mr Campbell suffered head and arm injuries during the alleged attack in his bed at 11.30am on July 13.
A team of detectives has been set up to investigate the former Primbee man's death.
Wollongong crime manager Tim Beattie confirmed an investigation was under way.
Officers were awaiting results of pathology and other medical reports, before determining the direction the investigation would take, he said.
Police could not confirm whether or not any charges would be laid.
"The investigation is on-going and being oversighted by the coroner," Detective Inspector Beattie said. Detectives were speaking with Mr Campbell's family on a regular basis to keep them up to date with the progress of the investigation, he said.
It is understood Mr Campbell was attacked in an area of the facility which is deemed high-care, but not in the section that houses dementia patients.
Other residents and staff have been deeply affected by the tragedy.
IRT group chief operating officer Craig Hamer said yesterday the death had been devastating for everyone involved.
"The safety and well-being of all our residents and clients is at the core of everything we do," Mr Hamer said.
"This death and the circumstances around it has had tragic consequences for both men and their families, as well as the staff and other residents of our care centre," Mr Hamer said.
"The incident happened on a weekday morning, which is a peak time for staff and resident activity.
"This is an isolated incident," he said.
"The alleged offender is no longer a resident of IRT and is being cared for by the appropriate authorities.
"As it is under police investigation and the subject of a coroner's report we are unable to comment."
It is believed the man is in the care of the health system pending the outcome of police inquiries.