Queensland hospital failed to perform rape kit and allow police access after alleged sexual assault of dementia patient, family claims

Exclusive: daughters of 79-year-old allegedly assaulted in virtual ward' care system say their complaints were dismissed by staff

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The daughters of an elderly dementia patient allege a Queensland hospital failed to perform a rape kit on their mother and denied police access after an alleged sexual assault.

A Guardian Australia investigation has revealed that gaps in the virtual ward" care system left the 79-year-old woman without immediate medical attention for the alleged assault, which was not reported to police until three days after the incident.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup

Do you know more about virtual wards? Email eden.gillespie@theguardian.com