Probe into WA hospital patient death

West Australian authorities are investigating the death of a woman who had earlier sought mental health assistance at a Pilbara hospital.

WA Country Health Service has confirmed the woman attended Hedland Health Campus in the Pilbara region prior to her death but declined to provide further details.

A spokeswoman on Friday said the emergency department had been appropriately staffed and the patient, who the West Australian newspaper reported was an Indigenous woman, had not spent any time in the waiting room.

"We feel deeply for this patient's family," WACHS regional director Margi Faulkner said in a statement.

"While we will never be able to replace their loss, they have our full support and sincere condolences.

"A full and thorough investigation is already underway.

"WA Country Health Service acknowledges that any death is devastating for family, friends and the broader community and implores people to seek help early if they're having trouble managing their mental health."

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