Craig Ashton. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Serious accusations of patient mistreatment are among the reasons why a mental health ward in Dunedin is on the brink of being closed, the Otago Daily Times understands. Patients are being moved from Wakari Hospital’s ward 10a, but Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) is refusing to say where they are going to be located. It comes after concerned staff members and carers of former patients contacted the ODT with accusations a patient was secluded for nearly two years, a patient was dragged along the ground and suffered serious carpet burns as a result, along with accusations of general neglect of patients. The ODT put these accusations to HNZ. ‘‘Health New Zealand is aware of a range of concerns that have been raised about ward 10a, including through formal reviews and feedback from [the] ombudsman, the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand,’’ HNZ Southern group director of operations Craig Ashton said. They took all allegations relating to patient safety and care very seriously and any concerns raised were subject to appropriate reviews and follow-up, he said. Mr Ashton said they were unable to comment on specific allegations or individual cases. ‘‘However, we can confirm that the decision to pause admissions and relocate patients, pending a decision on the future of ward 10a, was not driven by any single issue. ‘‘Rather, it reflects long-standing concerns about the physical environment of the ward and its suitability to safely support people with highly complex needs.’’ Ingrid Leary. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY Taieri MP Ingrid Leary said the situation was hugely concerning and needed to be addressed further. ‘‘I have been contacted by former patients, family members and health workers who have made deeply disturbing, serious and consistent allegations, including claims of assaults and brutal treatment at Wakari Hospital. ‘‘These are allegations that deserve a full and independent investigation, and they add to the growing picture of an unsafe and toxic culture at the facility.’’ She called for Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey to be transparent. ‘‘Simply saying patient safety is now the priority does not answer whether patients were harmed while in the care of the public mental health system.’’ Mr Doocey’s office sent a statement, which said no decisions had been made about the future of ward 10a. ‘‘I expect Health New Zealand to progress decisions as quickly as possible, with patient safety at the forefront of its decision.’’ Refurbishment work was continuing on wards 9a and 9b at Wakari. ‘‘There is currently only a very small number of people on ward 10a, and I am clear that all necessary steps must be taken to ensure a smooth transition and that the right decisions are made for the patients affected. ‘‘I expect HNZ to ensure that patients are placed in safe environments that meet their needs. I am informed that, in the meantime, patients who may otherwise have qualified for admission to ward 10a will have alternative arrangements put in place that better reflect their care requirements.’’ In the statement, Mr Doocey said the country’s most senior leaders visited the ward and the decision was made by HNZ due to safety concerns. ‘‘I think all New Zealanders would expect people receiving mental healthcare to be treated in a safe environment.’’ Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said chronic disinvestment in mental health infrastructure left staff on ward 10a working in a physical environment that was not fit for purpose and unsafe for many years. “Healthcare workers' number one priority is to keep this service open and retain their experience and expertise. These healthcare workers, who are best positioned to understand the needs of patients and families, want their voice heard.’’ Ward 10a is a 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. It came under fire from the Office of the Ombudsman in two separate reports about a decade ago that outlined the lack of resources for patients and carers, the outdated setting and the lack of solitary space. Then-chief ombudsman Peter Boshier deemed it a ‘‘volatile environment’’.
