It comes after staff raised concerns about the makeshift fire alarms in the Helensburgh House wing, where people are being asked to use loud hailers and shout ‘‘fire, fire, fire’’ in the event of one.
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has promised to address the problem quickly, but staff have told the Otago Daily Times they are ‘‘scared’’ and ‘‘worried’’ in the meantime.
‘‘The building is simply not fit for purpose; it feels like it’s falling apart,’’ one staff member said.
A spokeswoman for the Office of the Ombudsmen confirmed it had visited Wakari recently.
Inspectors had visited Ward 10A, the intellectual disability unit at Wakari Hospital, twice in the past six months.
‘‘We went back to conduct a full, targeted inspection last month.
‘‘Our inspectors reported a range of potentially serious concerns which have been formally relayed to both the Ministry of Health and Health NZ.
‘‘We are unable to provide any more detail at this point, including on the facility’s fire alarms, as our inspection analysis still being finalised.
"Once this analysis is concluded we will determine an appropriate approach which could include publishing a report.’’
The Office of the Ombudsmen visited the hospital’s ward 9B in 2019 — they declared it a ‘‘volatile’’ environment and dangerous for staff and patients.
Then-chief ombudsman Peter Boshier issued a range of recommendations, and ordered a follow-up visit, which occurred over three days in 2022.
At the time, Mr Boshier expressed his disappointment that many of the recommendations were not completed, including upgrading the building as a ‘‘matter of urgency’’, improving ventilation to address excessive temperatures, and the reason for staff resignations analysed and, where necessary, appropriate remedial action implemented.
A Ministry of Health spokeswoman confirmed director of mental health Dr John Crenshaw visited Wakari hospital on April 15 and 16.
‘‘The director of mental health undertakes visits to mental health and disability services across the country as part of his monitoring role.
‘‘These visits enable the director to see first-hand how services are functioning and seek assurance about the safety, quality and rights-based delivery of care in these services.
"They also enable him to hear directly from staff about any current pressures or challenges and to understand how any changes are being implemented.’’
The spokeswoman said as a result of these visits, the director might give recommendations to the services, if needed, or request further information to provide assurance that people are receiving appropriate care and staff are supported to fulfil their roles.
‘‘The director of mental health is able to inspect any ward, unit, or other part of a hospital, in which psychiatric treatment is given.’’
