An elderly, non-verbal man who has been missing for two days was a hospital in-patient at the time of his disappearance, the health department has confirmed.
Peter Roach, 80, was last seen walking along Canning Street, near Rockhampton Hospital, about 3:40pm on Sunday, and has not been seen or heard from since.
Police said they were concerned for Mr Roach's welfare as he had a medical condition which could cause confusion.
Allison Cassidy, general manager for the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, confirmed Mr Roach was a patient at Rockhampton Hospital before he went missing.
"As soon as he was known to be missing, our staff immediately alerted police, ambulance and the patient's next of kin," Ms Cassidy said.
"Our security staff are working with police to provide them with all possible information.
"This incident has been distressing for our team. Our thoughts are with this patient and his family, and we are hoping he is found safe and well."
The health service was unable to provide further comment.
Search continues
Police launched a large-scale search for Mr Roach in Rockhampton on Monday, involving SES volunteers, boats and a helicopter.
Police have asked residents on the south side of town to check their properties for the elderly man.
"We're asking all the residents in the area to check their yards, check their sheds, check underneath their houses," Inspector Mark Burgess from Rockhampton Police said.
"He does suffer from a medical condition. He is in his 80s, is non-verbal and he has one arm.
"So there's a lot of vulnerability around this."
Inspector Burgess said there was no known danger to the public.
On Sunday night the temperature in Rockhampton dropped to 7.2 degrees Celsius, and 10.4C overnight Monday.
"Certainly two nights out in the open enhances the vulnerability … we are very concerned for the person's welfare and their safety," Inspector Burgess said.
Mr Roach is described as being Caucasian in appearance with brown eyes, and dark and grey hair.
He was last seen wearing a grey jumper, maroon shirt with blue pants and brown shoes.
Police are continuing their search efforts.
