The inpatient forensic ward is in the middle of a major overhaul designed to better accommodate patients in ward 10a, which is the hospital’s ward for high-needs intellectually disabled patients.
However, it is understood that ward 10a is under review and might eventually be shored up for closure.
This has prompted some nurses to speak out to the Otago Daily Times on the grounds of anonymity.
‘‘The problem is that the 9a being done up is being done up in anticipation of 10a patients, who have specific needs.
‘‘So, if they don’t come, they have wasted a lot of money.
‘‘So, 9a should have been done up for our particular client group.’’
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.
It came under fire from the Office of the Ombudsman in two separate reports about a decade ago, which outlined the lack of resources for patients and carers, the outdated setting and the lack of solitary space.
Late last year, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) announced a major upgrade of the ward was likely to occur this year; but this month, HNZ told staff the ward was ‘‘under review’’.
‘‘It is like we’re preparing this meal for some very expensive dinner guests with very specific dietary needs.
‘‘But the guests might not even arrive — and let’s be honest, this is going to cost a lot more than a meal,’’ a nurse told the ODT.
Taieri MP Ingrid Leary said the situation was ‘‘fast becoming a mental health infrastructure fiasco’’.
‘‘Staff appear to be the last to know what is happening.
‘‘HNZ has reached the point of halting admissions to ward 10a while uncertainty continues around the promised ward 9a upgrade, without publicly explaining where these highly vulnerable patients will go.
‘‘Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey needs to front up and explain what has gone so badly wrong and what the plan is going forward, so that we don’t lose more staff from the mental health sector which is already experiencing significant burn out and attrition.’’
‘‘Supporting staff and ensuring safe, appropriate care for people remains our priority.’’
Work to refurbish ward 9a, an inpatient forensic ward, was expected to be completed in July, he said.
Work on ward 9b, an intensive/acute mental health unit, was funded separately through the HNZ Improving Mental Health Inpatient Units programme and was being progressed.
‘‘Although the decision has been made to relocate patients from ward 10a to environments that are better suited to their needs, there are no current plans to halt the refurbishment works.
‘‘Due to the small number of patients involved, we are unable to comment further on their relocation due to privacy reasons.
‘‘Each person’s transition will be individually planned, with a strong emphasis on continuity of care, safety and stability throughout the process.’’
A spokeswoman for Mr Doocey referred the ODT to his previous statement.
‘‘I am very clear that I always expect patient safety to be paramount ... patients will be relocated to an environment that better suits their needs.
‘‘I expect HNZ to communicate regularly with patients, their families and staff so no-one is left in the dark ...’’
