Health chief to testify in clinic case

WA health boss Professor Bryant Stokes will be called to testify at the inquest into the deaths of five patients of a Fremantle psychiatric clinic.

The State's chief psychiatrist Dr Nathan Gibson and his predecessor Dr Rowan Davidson are also among 41 witnesses who will appear during the three-week inquest, which began yesterday.

Anthony Ian Edwards, Carly Jean Elliott, Ruby Natasha Nicholls-Diver, Stephen Colin Robson and Michael Ronald Thomas died within 12 months of each other after contact with the Alma Street Clinic.

The deaths prompted investigations within the Health Department and the State Government, and the State Coroner to hold an inquest.

Counsel assisting Kate Ellson said the deaths were similar and could be considered to be representative of many deaths in WA every year.

"It is hoped by investigating their deaths together, each can contribute to significant advancements in this State, toward preventing similar deaths," she said.

The court was told how Ms Elliott, 20, who was stressed, was found dead in her bedroom on March 31, 2011 after months of contact with the clinic.

Mr Robson, 47, was an involuntary patient when he was found dead on nearby Hampton Road on March 28, 2012.

He had depression and anxiety and had left the clinic grounds that day when out of sight of his nurse escort.

Mr Edwards, a budding professional golfer, was 26 when he died on March 20, 2012.

He was admitted as an involuntary patient but discharged six days later on March 19 and found dead in Fremantle the next day.

Ms Nicholls-Diver was found dead on March 2, 2011, hours after being discharged from the clinic.

The previous day, the 18-year-old had tried to take her own life in the hospital.

Mr Thomas, a telecommunications manager who had paranoia and anxiety, was discharged from the clinic in June 2, 2011. His body was found in bush in September.