An independent and comprehensive review will look into how access to services might be improved, especially for vulnerable groups, and how pressure points in the mental health and addiction treatment system might be remedied.
Challenges include finding suitable accommodation for people with complex needs, in-patient units at Dunedin’s Wakari site needing urgent attention, increasing demand for crisis mental health services and maintaining a consistent approach across a large geographical area.
The health and disability commissioner has received an increasing number of complaints related to services provided by the Southern District Health Board, particularly those provided by the mental health, addiction and intellectual disability services.
Interaction with hospital emergency departments, engagement with whanau, discharge planning and cover in the Queenstown Lakes district are among the areas of concern.
However, the review will also identify what the board has labelled "pockets of innovation and excellence".
Identifying examples of excellent work and systems, "particularly those which provide a springboard to build capacity, equity and consistency", has been included in the terms of reference.
Mental health and addiction services funded by the Southern DHB will be the focus of the review.
Southern DHB chief executive Chris Fleming said a strong foundation had been put in place for developing mental health and addiction services.
"The review aims to examine our current services against contemporary best practice and identify opportunities for improving patient and staff experience," he said.
"We need to make the most of this important work — now is the time to be truly courageous and forward-looking as we design the best system for those who need it."
Planning was well advanced for the review by March this year but the Covid-19 crisis hindered its progress.
The board is now seeking proposals from consultants to lead the review.
Staff and patients will have the chance to participate in it.
The review follows the 2018 national mental health and addictions inquiry, the 2018 southern primary and community care strategy and a 2019-23 strategic plan for southern mental health and addiction services.
An area of focus for the southern plans was to reduce health inequities for Maori and rural populations.
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