Health review after killing
The State Government has announced an urgent review into the circumstances that led to the death of White Gum Valley mother Joan Hendry.
Ms Hendry's son Gabe Lang, 19, allegedly stabbed the 52-year-old registered nurse to death at her Stevens Street home on Monday night.
Ms Hendry tried to take her son to Fremantle Hospital's mental health service earlier that evening but the pair did not make it in time for the centre's 8pm cut-off. She then took her son to the hospital's emergency department, where family members said they waited 2½ hours for treatment before leaving.
Within hours Ms Hendry was dead as a result of stab wounds.
Mr Lang was later admitted to hospital with serious injuries, believed to be self-inflicted knife wounds. He was in a stable condition last night.
Acting Mental Health Minister Peter Collier said it was a tragic situation and "our thoughts are with (the family) during this difficult time".
"While patient confidentiality prevents me from providing much information, I can assure you that an urgent review is being undertaken that will explore both aspects of the care given and the assessment process in this case," he said.
