A damning report into Ward 10a at Wakari Hospital is set to be released. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON Vulnerable patients being secluded for long periods are among the ‘‘extremely serious’’ concerns which shut down a troubled Wakari ward, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) has confirmed. Until now, HNZ had not confirmed claims Ward 10a was closed due to accusations of patient mistreatment, but yesterday it came clean after the Otago Daily Times learnt of damning official feedback. HNZ Southern Group director of operations Craig Ashton said the ombudsman raised ‘‘serious concerns’’ after visiting the unit in mid-March and early April. ‘‘These matters, which HNZ takes extremely seriously, relate to the treatment and conditions experienced by some patients in Ward 10a and include concerns about restrictive practices, prolonged seclusion, rehabilitation opportunities and aspects of care delivery. ‘‘As a result, we immediately commenced work in response to the issues raised and closed Ward 10a to new admissions on April 24.’’ Future use of the Ward 10a facility, including refurbishment and repurposing opportunities, remain under consideration and decisions will be made in due course, he said. HNZ’s statement comes after the ODT was informed chief health inspectorate Simon Latimer had recently compiled a three-page provisional feedback on the state of the ward The ODT has been informed the feedback raises serious concerns about patient treatment. The feedback states patients were treated in a punitive way and put in restrictive conditions. HNZ Southern Group director of operations Craig Ashton. Photo: Supplied The ODT was told of patients’ toilet access being restricted and being forced to use a cardboard box. It is understood the report alleged coercive treatment at the unit and at least three patients were placed in ‘‘very constrictive’’ living situations. There were also reports of bullying and intimidation of staff. Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said she was trying to source a copy on behalf of the nurses working there, but so far HNZ had not released it. Taieri MP Ingrid Leary said former and present families of patients had come to her for advice over the past week. ‘‘I am extremely concerned by the reports I am receiving from families whose loved ones have been patients in Wakari Hospital’s Wards 9a and 10a. ‘‘One family told me that despite some staff being excellent and going above and beyond, they were simply too shattered by what had happened to their loved one to begin the official complaints process.’’ The accounts described ‘‘deeply troubling failures in care’’. These included a non-psychotic patient being placed alongside psychotic patients, the absence of a meaningful care plan with no review or adjustment of medication over a period of weeks, no consultation with family, significant weight loss, heightened anxiety and clear evidence of injuries that might have resulted from an accident or an assault. ‘‘These are not isolated concerns. ‘‘I have heard from multiple traumatised patients and families whose experiences point to serious systemic failures.’’ Ms Leary said Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey needed to ‘‘stop hiding’’ and tell the public what was happening. ‘‘He must explain where patients are now being cared for, what steps are being taken to ensure their safety and what the plan is to restore confidence in these services. ‘‘The seriousness and consistency of the complaints I have received ... warrant an immediate independent investigation into the care provided in those wards.’’ Mr Doocey said yesterday he had been briefed on the issues concerning Ward 10a. ‘‘I have made it absolutely clear to HNZ that patient safety must always come first. ‘‘Vulnerable people in its care must be kept safe and be looked after appropriately, and I expect HNZ to urgently address and respond to the issues that have been identified.’’ Mr Doocey said reports of patient mistreatment were ‘‘highly concerning’’. ‘‘As far back as 2019, a review found the facility design and condition created safety risks for patients and staff and reported high rates of incidents and staff injuries in Ward 10a. ‘‘It should never have taken years for these issues to be addressed and I have made it very clear to HNZ that they must now proceed with urgency and ensure all patients in their care are safe and in the right environment for them.’’ Ward 10a is a 12-bed unit that supports people over the age of 18 who have an intellectual disability and require assessment, care and treatment in a secure hospital environment. Recently, the hospital has been going through upgrades to wards 9a (an inpatient forensic ward) and 9b (an intensive/acute mental health unit), to shore up patients from Ward 10a, but this was contingent on the upgrade of Ward 10a going ahead. The Ward 10a upgrade project has since been ‘‘paused’’.
