Police are searching for 44-year-old Lee Bartel who failed to return from unescorted leave from the Thomas Embling Hospital in Fairfield on Friday.
Lee Bartel left the hospital on Friday and was believed to be headed to St Kilda before she failed to return at 5pm as part of an approved custodial order.
Police were notified of her disappearance after she failed to return by the nominated time.
At this stage, ongoing enquiries by police have failed to find Bartel.
She is described as being Caucasian, 170cm tall, with a solid build and blonde hair and was last seen wearing heavy makeup, a black singlet dress, black boots and a puffer jacket.
Bartel, who is believed to travel on public transport, is not considered to be a risk to others in the community.
Police are concerned for her welfare due to a medical condition which requires medication.
Anyone who sights Bartel is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or with information about her whereabouts please call Collingwood Police Station on (03) 8413 1700.
Thomas Embling Hospital is a secure forensic mental health hospital, located in Fairfield. The hospital provides acute and continuing care programs and includes a dedicated women’s unit for people sentenced under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997, Mental Health Act 2014 or the Sentencing Act 1991.
It is operated by Forensicare.
