The High Court has ruled Hunter New England Health did not owe a duty of care to the relatives of a man killed by a mentally ill patient, who was discharged from Manning Base Hospital in 2004.
Victorian man, Phillip Pettigrove, who had a history of schizophrenia, was admitted to the hospital in July and was released into the care of his friend, Stephen Rose the next day.
Mr Pettigrove killed Mr Rose as they drove home to Victoria.
The High Court decision overrules an earlier judgement in favour of the family.
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