The Health Minister says it’s inexplicable why nursing staff didn’t contact security on the night a 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped while receiving treatment on a mental health ward at Perth Children’s Hospital.

Minister Amber Jade Sanderson says the issue of sexual safety in youth mental health wards is a country-wide issue, as psychiatric experts demand gender-based segregation in mental health wards.

Psychiatrist Karen Williams told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings those not accustomed to the system likely don’t understand how difficult and nefarious it can be for the vulnerable.

“You’d think it would be obvious; you have a very vulnerable population – 70 per cent of women will have a history of abuse – sharing rooms with complete strangers, both male and female,” Dr Williams said.

Press PLAY to hear more about the institutional issues in the mental health system

State Liberal Leader Libby Mettam said the teen was supposed to have been kept safe in the WA hospital system, and her and her family had been let down.

“Adding to the distress is the apparent lack of information that has been provided to this young girl’s family,” Ms Mettam said.