The inquest at Wagga courthouse by NSW Coroner Paul McMahon is due to last three days and Mr McMahon will call on Justin's nursing staff, witnesses, doctors and hospital management to give evidence.

In July 2007, Justin Berkhout, 29, was taken to the Wagga Base Hospital emergency department by ambulance after overdosing on prescription drugs.

He was left inside a cubicle and hung himself, using a common piece of hospital equipment, while waiting for a bed in the mental health facility, Gissing House, to become available.

Days later, his family made the difficult decision to turn off the machine that was keeping him alive.

Justin died on July 11, 2007, surrounded by his family.

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