Reports on inspections of seven mental health facilities published

The seven reports traverse a range of themes including the use of seclusion and restraint.

The facilities are:

• Tumanako Inpatient Mental Health Unit, Whangārei Hospital
• Waiatarau Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Waitakere Hospital
• Te Awhina Unit, Whanganui Hospital
• Kensington Centre Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Timaru
• Te Whare Manaaki Unit, Hillmorton Hospital
• Kauri and Totara Units, Mason Clinic
• Ward Older Persons and Rehabilitation (OPR1), Waikato Hospital

Background

New Zealand signed up to the United Nations’ Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) in 2007. The Chief Ombudsman is a ‘National Preventive Mechanism’ (NPM) under OPCAT, meaning he monitors mental health facilities and other places of detention (like prisons) to ensure they meet international human rights.