Inmate died after waiting 305 days for help, NSW coroner finds

Key points

• A coroner has found that a 305-day wait for mental health support likely contributed to the death of an inmate at Junee Correctional Centre in New South Wales. Alexander Gavranic requested a mental health screening when he arrived in June 2021.
• He was placed on a waitlist in April 2022 but died by suicide in his cell in February 2023 without being assessed. Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee said the delay likely caused distress and a decline in his wellbeing.
• He recommended staff training and changes to funding for mental health staffing at the prison.