Veronica Nelson inquest: nurse and doctor give contradictory evidence on prison medical assessment

She said she suggested to the doctor leading the intake assessment, Dr Sean Runacres, that Nelson be taken to hospital.

She said Runacres remained sitting throughout the examination, leaving her to take the observations as required.

Hill said she was not able to challenge Runacres, because he was senior to her.

Dr Sean Runacres gave evidence on Thursday. He told the court he had no recollection of assessing or meeting Nelson and was relying on his notes to give evidence. He also said he could not recall when told of her death, and later told the court he made it a point not to recall patients, for his own mental health.

Hills earlier told the inquest they had worked together on maybe 60 to 7o occasions.

Gold asked if Nelson needed urgent medical attention.

Nelson was found dead in her cell about 7.50am on 2 January, after making repeated calls on the intercom complaining of severe cramps. She had vomited repeatedly since being taken to prison and complained of dehydration.

Both Hill and Runacres were granted legal immunity for evidence given at the inquest, a common practice in coronial courts.

The inquest continues next week.