Chief Ombudsman expectations for people in mental health services published
The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has published a document setting out his expectations for the conditions and treatment of people in mental health services where people are unable to leave at will.
The OPCAT Expectations – Mental Health Services sets out his six overarching expectations, these are:
- The rights of tāngata whai ora are upheld by people, principles, and practices at all levels.
- Tāngata whai ora are safe and their independence is promoted.
- Tāngata whai ora are treated with dignity and respect.
- Tāngata whai ora enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
- Tāngata whai ora are in an environment that promotes their safety, independence, culture, dignity, and wellbeing.
- Tāngata whai ora are supported by skilled, motivated, and engaged people.
These expectations intend to provide tāngata whai ora, their whānau, any person or agency involved with mental health services, Parliament and the public with an understanding of some of the matters that Mr Boshier considers when examining mental health services.
Mr Boshier will also guide his staff when they are carrying out visits and inspections as part of his monitoring programme.
Mr Boshier will be publishing similar expectations for intellectual disability places of detention.
Note: This is the first version of the Ombudsman’s OPCAT- Expectations – Mental Health Services and will be updated over time. Mr Boshier welcomes feedback on this document, understanding that best practice is continually evolving.