THREE ESCAPES IN THREE WEEKS ON MINNS’ WATCH
Media Release dated Monday 23mFebruary,2026
Sarah Mitchell
Shadow Minister for Health
Shadow Minister for Regional Health
Shadow Minister for Mental Health
A third escape from Cumberland Hospital in as many weeks makes it clear our mental health system, and this facility in particular, need urgent attention, and the
community deserves answers.
It’s not acceptable for the Minister responsible to hide behind a review that was called 10 days too late, after the death of three innocent victims and intense
media pressure.
The NSW mental health system is at breaking point under Chris Minns and Rose Jackson, with chronic bed shortages and exhausted staff walking out the door.
They both need to front up today and answer:
1. Why wasn’t a review ordered sooner?
2. Will the review now include the third escape?
3. Why was an escapee’s status changed from absconder to discharged?
4. Why have the pleas from Cumberland Hospital nurses for extra resources gone unanswered?
