Saturday, November 9, 2024

Snowy Monaro council calls in trauma counsellors following taser tragedy

Snowy Monaro Regional Council has deployed trauma counsellors at its Cooma aged care facility, Yallambee Lodge, where a 95-year-old was tasered by police a week ago.

Great grandmother and well-known Cooma community member, Clare Nowland, died in hospital last night. She had been hospitalised after she fell and struck her head after being tasered by a NSW Police Senior Constable who had been called to the facility. Mrs Nowland was reportedly on her walking frame and holding a kitchen knife when she was tasered.

“Trauma counsellors have been on-site at Yallambee Lodge since Thursday, providing direct support to our residents and staff in the wake of this traumatic event,” Council said in a statement.

Mayor, Narelle Davis said Council’s foremost concern since the 17 May incident has been the support of residents at Yallambee and their families, and in protecting and respecting the privacy and wishes of Mrs Nowland and her family.

95-year-old Clare Nowland sadly passed away in hospital last night.

“We are heartbroken by the events of Wednesday 17 May, and the distressing outcome for a beloved resident of Yallambee Lodge and our region. Our thoughts remain with her and her family at this deeply sad time,” the Mayor said.

The Council has sent a letter to families of residents in Council-run aged care facilities, and senior staff have been speaking directly with concerned loved ones about the situation and the status of residents’ care.

“We have been assisting with both NSW Police and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission investigations into this incident, making staff and all relevant information, documentation and accounts of the morning in question available without delay,” said Council Chief Executive Officer, Peter Bascomb.

“The family has our deepest sympathies during this profoundly difficult time. We are available to help however and whenever they need,” said Mr Bascomb.

The incident is subject to an investigation by both NSW Police and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and Yallambee Lodge is and will continue to provide all available assistance to the investigations, he said.

“We ask our community for calm while these investigations are underway. We understand this is a difficult time for everyone and emotions are running high. If we can be kind to each other, we will get through this together,” said Mr Bascomb. 

(L-R) Senior Constable Kristian White will face court on 5 July. Mrs Nowland passed away in Cooma Hospital last night.

Thirty-three year old Senior Constable Kristian White, an officer with 12 years experience under his belt, is facing three charges including recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.

He will appear in Cooma Local Court on 5 July.

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