‘We trusted them’: Bellamy Nieto’s family to sue Barwon Health over Swanston Centre death The family of a patient who took their own life inside a Geelong psychiatric unit says the government-run facility basically handed their loved one “a loaded gun” amid a probe into the grim tragedy. Bellamy Nieto, 22, was found dead at the Swanston Centre in June last year just days after attempting suicide in the same ward. Mum Lee Johnson is now fighting for change and has spoken out about the harrowing days that led to the death. Ms Johnson is suing Barwon Health for negligence amid an ongoing investigation by Victoria’s work safety watchdog into the troubling death. She said Bellamy was found dead in a room “miles away from where the nurses were” despite being acutely suicidal. The hospital was recently served with notices from a law firm seeking damages on behalf of Bellamy’s family. Jodie Harris, partner and practice manager of the Geelong office of Arnold Thomas and Becker, claims medical information shows each member had sustained “a significant injury” as a result. “This is a tragic loss of life of a young person, in what we will allege on behalf of the family, were entirely preventable circumstances,” Ms Harris said. “It is shocking that an incredibly vulnerable person is compulsorily placed at a major hospital for treatment because they are so unwell, but that hospital does not appear to have appropriatemeasures in place to properly treat and protect that person.” Read the full story at the Geelong Advertiser. Contact us As a leading Australian Abuse firm, we have helped hundreds of brave abuse survivors obtain compensation for physical, psychological and sexual abuse in institutional settings. Money can’t take the pain away, however, it can help achieve clarity and closure. We have extensive experience in obtaining ground-breaking multi-million dollar payments for our clients. Call us on 1300 333 300 or send us a message at [email protected]