Guard dies after altercation with patient at Queensland hospital

A security guard has died after an altercation with a patient at a Queensland hospital.

Police say the 46-year-old man died after helping to restrain a mental health patient inside Gympie Hospital, in the regional town of Gympie, at around 11am yesterday.

"The man’s health deteriorated shortly after and he later died at work," Queensland Police said in a statement today.

It is unclear what caused the guard's death. The ward was placed into lockdown after the altercation. 

Both Queensland Health and police have since launched investigations into the man's death.

Gympie Hospital says it is offering to support to the man's family and his colleagues. 

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

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