The 31-year-old man was arrested last Wednesday and remanded to appear in a Warrnambool court the following day but was reported to be suffering "significant" mental health issues and alcohol withdrawal.

Magistrate Mark Stratmann requested the man receive medical care, which was initially refused by a Melbourne-based nurse, who said she was "under no obligation to listen to a magistrate".

When the nurse's supervisor was advised of the incident, it was arranged for a local doctor to attend the police station cells as soon as possible.

READ MORE: Indigenous man refused medical care in custody despite magistrate request

On Monday, police prosecutor Sergeant Sandra Skilton told the court the doctor attended on Thursday night and deemed the man did not need to attend hospital.

"There was a bit of messing around that went on but medical care was never delayed," she said.

Legal Aid lawyer Morgan Adams told the court the magistrate dealt with the matter "appropriately".

He said his concerns raised about Indigenous deaths in custody were "taken very seriously by the court and the police".

Mr Adams said his client's health had since improved and "the treatment required was provided".

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.