Families break down in tears as coronial inquest into St Basil’s deaths continues

·

A coronial inquest has today heard that a woman’s last words to her family were “I got pains, I got pains” before she died as part of the St Basil’s Fawkner COVID-19 outbreak.

According to The Australian, Androula Aristudou broke down in tears when she explained to the Victorian coroners court the circumstances leading up to her mother’s death in July last year.

Ms Aristudou said the last time she spoke to her 98-year-old mother was via Facetime where she encouraged her mum to “tell the nurse where are your pains to help you.”

Later, Ms Aristudou told the court that her mother was transferred to hospital twice in the space of just one week.

Ms Aristudou’s mum was transferred to hospital twice.

The first time was on July 17 when staff at St Basil’s Fawkner told Ms Aristudou her mother had tested positive to COVID-19. Hospital staff later told Ms Aristudou her mother was “asymptomatic” and on July 19, she was returned to the aged care facility.

Ms Aristudou was told by staff at the facility her mother was “eating, drinking and walking with her frame in the hallway” but despite this improved condition, she was transferred to hospital again for “better care.”

After ringing the hospital directly to find out where he mother had been moved to, Ms Aristudou was told by a nurse over the phone that her mum “was very confused, very weak and that she couldn’t talk.”

Outside St Basil’s Fawkner.

Her mother died the next day on July 26.

In a statement, which was read out by Counsel assisting Peter Rozen QC to the court, Ms Aristudou said “not even animals should be treated like this.”

“The level of care that was received at St Basil’s was very poor and was very disturbing. Due to such an advanced country. I would never thought this would happen,” one part of the statement reads.

The five-week coronial inquest into the deaths of residents at St Basil‘s will hear from about 65 witnesses, including nurses, centre managers and family members of the loved ones who died.

Source: The Australian.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

Heritage NSW inspects Paragon Café as emergency works get underway

The Paragon Café in Katoomba has taken its first meaningful steps toward preservation following a recent on-site inspection by Heritage NSW.

Māori-Greek artist’s tribute to ancestors lights up Manhattan billboard

Māori-Greek artist Jimmy James Kouratoras has made a striking return to New York, with his painting Hei Tiki – For the Love of Our Ancestors.

Extraordinary Australians wanted for nation’s highest award

Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

You May Also Like

TGH Exclusive: Anthony Hrysanthos – I hope to lead Australia to an Olympic medal

The Greek Herald talked exclusively with Anthony about his waterpolo journey so far, preparation for the Olympics and his hopes for the future.

Greek Consulate honours Greek Australian media groups for their excellence

Last year, General Consul of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, invited journalists of the diaspora for a get-together.

13-year-old, Marianos Nikolis, on his dream to become a MotoGP world champion

Marianos Nikolis has competed in a number of motorbike tournaments but ultimately, his dream is to compete in the MotoGP.