Police are investigating the death of a 72-year-old man at Sutherland Hospital following an alleged sabotage of gas supplies. Vanessa Moulton, 42, has been charged with cutting the non-medical gas supply and water mains at Kareena Private Hospital before switching off the gas main at Sutherland Hospital, located on the same road in Caringbah.
The loss of gas forced Sutherland Hospital to switch to portable oxygen and air. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed the gas systems were restored within approximately two hours. Initially advised there was no impact on patient care, Park later learned a patient had died during that period. He phoned the family to offer condolences and stated the matter has been referred to the coroner.
Moulton was charged on Tuesday with multiple offences, including sabotage, which carries a maximum 25-year jail term. She appeared at Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday, where she declined legal representation and denied the sabotage charge, saying, 'I didn't do it.' She was remanded in custody to return to court on 24 December. She has not been charged in relation to the man's death.
The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District confirmed it is investigating the patient's death, which coincided with the 'vandalism event' that interrupted the hospital's mainline gas supply. A spokesperson extended sincere condolences to the family.
