Arabic version: تكليف بمراجعة مستقلة بشأن وفاة هيلين سارجنت في المستشفى

According to ABC News, the South Australian government will open an independent external review into the death of Helen Sargent, whose family has welcomed the decision. Hospital footage obtained by the family showed Ms Sargent, 64, left unattended for more than an hour on a bed in a corridor at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in October 2025 before she died.

Three previous clinical reviews found that Ms Sargent’s death was not caused by her treatment in a corridor. Her family and the state opposition had called for a deeper inquiry into the circumstances. SA Health Minister Blair Boyer said he suggested the review to the family because it was unclear how long a coroner’s investigation could take.

Mr Boyer said the family was owed answers and that the review should examine whether the earlier clinical findings were correct or whether further action was needed. He said he hoped the process would provide closure, clarity and confidence about what happened. The minister did not identify who would conduct the review, but said those involved would be independent of SA Health and the hospital. He said he wanted the review to begin within six months.

Opposition leader Ashton Hurn said she hoped the findings would inform government policy, while criticising the time taken to establish an independent investigation. The review follows calls from health worker unions for action over pressures in public hospitals. In August, the nurses’ union asked the government to end the use of corridor care, while the Ambulance Employees Association SA branch described ramping as preventable, dangerous and unacceptable.