The building at Wakari Hospital containing Ward 10A. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIEN An investigation into a troubled ward at Wakari Hospital is too narrow and was launched without staff consultation, a union says. The Ministry of Health yesterday announced their review of Wakari Hospital Ward 10a, along with the terms of reference, which have scope to refer matters to the police for potential criminal investigation. The Public Service Association, which represented staff at Wakari, said they were ‘‘dismayed’’ by yesterday’s announcement, ‘‘seemingly without engaging ... patients, healthcare workers and their unions, Māori and Pacific peoples, and other key stakeholders’’. ‘‘Forensic intellectual disability services is a small and highly specialised service for tangata whaiora [patients] with specific and complex needs. ‘‘We ask that appropriately qualified specialists in this field be asked to be involved in the inquiry. ‘‘We are also disappointed at the very narrow nature of the terms of reference. ‘‘The inquiry should also focus on the appropriateness of the facility within which these services had to be provided.’’ Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) agreed to begin the formal closure of Wakari Hospital’s Ward 10a last week after bombshell findings by the ombudsman, which claimed some of the treatment of patients at the ward was the worst the investigators had ever seen, particularly its use of seclusion. Among the parameters of the review include whether referral is necessary to the police if there was suspected criminal conduct. The health and disability commissioner would also become involved if potential breaches of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights were identified. It would also look into whether HNZ provided adequate oversight to the administration within Ward 10a and in particular, whether the care managers for the patients had suitable authority to discharge their duties under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act. The inquiry will be led by Auckland-based district inspector Andrew Molloy and supported by Wellington-based consultant clinical psychologist Nigel Fairley. It will examine the care and rehabilitation provided to patients at Ward 10a between June 2024 and June 2026. Director of mental health Dr John Crawshaw said the inquiry might also make recommendations to strengthen oversight, compliance and practice for both Ward 10a and for other similar facilities where applicable. The inquiry would begin as soon as possible and would report its findings and recommendations to the director-general of health within six months, he said. HNZ acting national director of mental health and addiction Karla Bergquist welcomed the terms of reference for the independent inquiry into Ward 10a. ‘‘Our focus remains on the safe transition of patients, supporting staff and whānau, and implementing the actions agreed by HNZ’s board and we will continue to work closely with them throughout this process.’’ Dr Crawshaw said this was a ‘‘significant and substantive inquiry’’. ‘‘The concerns raised by the ombudsman, district inspectors and others are very serious resulting in the director-general determining that they warranted an independent inquiry. ‘‘The inquiry will examine the care and rehabilitation provided at Ward 10a, including whether care met the required legal and clinical standards, whether the rights of care recipients were upheld and whether there are wider systemic issues that require attention,’’ Dr Crawshaw said. ‘‘It is important that the inquiry is allowed to establish the facts independently.’’ Dr Crawshaw said the inquiry would gather information from people and organisations with knowledge of Ward 10a and the care provided there. This may include current and former staff, care recipients, district inspectors, relevant agencies and others involved in the care and rehabilitation of care recipients. The inquiry may also consider information from other investigations and reviews relating to Ward 10a. ‘‘The purpose of the inquiry is to establish the facts, identify any lessons that can be learnt, and make recommendations for improvement where needed,’’ Dr Crawshaw said. ‘‘We are committed to allowing the inquiry to undertake its work independently and will consider its findings carefully once it reports.’’
