Health New Zealand (HNZ) confirmed late last week it was shutting Wakari Hospital’s ward 10a after an Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation uncovered serious abuse of patients and poor working conditions at the ward, which looked after some of the more severely intellectually disabled.
This decision to shut the ward meant it has effectively postponed part of the upgrades of the hospital which, the Otago Daily Times understands, was expected to cost about $12 million.
Instead, it has decided to push on with upgrades of ward 9a, formerly the forensic mental health wing. It is not known what this part of the upgrade will cost as Health NZ has cited commercial sensitivity.
HNZ national director of mental health and addictions Phil Grady said work to refurbish ward 9a was expected to be complete next month.
Work on ward 9b was funded separately through the HNZ Improving Mental Health Inpatient Units programme and is being progressed as part of that programme.
‘‘Our focus remains on transitioning current ward 10a patients to environments that are better suited to their needs.
‘‘Due to patient privacy and ongoing planning, Health New Zealand is unable to comment on individual patient placements or movements.’’
There was no confirmed closure date for ward 10a at this stage, Mr Grady said.
‘‘Closure of ward 10a will occur only once appropriate arrangements are in place for all patients and associated clinical, workforce and facility requirements have been met.’’
Mr Grady said the Health Ministry would oversee the planned review of Wakari Hospital’s ward 10a, and the hospital in general.
The ministry would release details about the review shortly.
HNZ would ‘‘co-operate fully’’ with the review, Mr Grady said.
‘‘Workforce planning is under way as part of the implementation of the board’s decisions and developing a future service delivery model.’’
Mr Grady acknowledged that how Wakari Hospital operated would likely change in the near future.
‘‘No final decisions have been made regarding future workforce arrangements.
‘‘Staff and unions will continue to be engaged throughout the planning process.’’
Any future workforce changes would occur through formal consultation processes and in accordance with HNZ’s employment obligations, he said.
‘‘Health New Zealand remains focused on the safe transition of patients, supporting staff and whānau, and implementing the actions agreed by the board and will continue to work closely with them throughout this process.’’
