Report on an announced follow up inspection of Waiatarau Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Waitakere Hospital

Excerpt: Inspection approach

On 16 and 17 August 2022, two Inspectors, who I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under COTA on my behalf, made an announced two-day inspection of Waiatarau Mental Health Inpatient Unit (the Unit). At the time of this inspection, all of New Zealand was at the orange setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights).

The Inspectors looked for progress in implementing the recommendations I made as a result of my 2019 inspection. To ensure an evidence-based approach, my Inspectors gathered and assessed a range of information including:

• information and documents from the Unit, including clinical records, incident reports and meeting minutes, policies and procedures produced by the Unit and Health New Zealand  - Te Whatu Ora Waitematā;
• interviews with tāngata whai ora, staff and other relevant people;
• observations within the Unit, with a focus on issues impacting on the conditions and treatment of tāngata whai ora. 

This report sets out my views as to whether my 2019 recommendations have been achieved, and my reasons for each conclusion. 

I acknowledge that there has been a delay in finalising this report, which is regrettable. This has been a result of concerns raised during post-inspection follow-up work that required more in-depth consideration. While reviewing clinical notes from the facility, my Inspectors identified an incident involving Police being called to assist with a potential self-harm situation with a tangata whai ora at the facility. This call-out resulted in the tangata whai ora being tasered by Police whilst isolated in the ‘quiet room’ within ICU. Further information has been sought from Police and while the incident is not detailed in this report, I will be following up with the Ministry of Health and considering the issue further as part of a thematic inquiry into use of force by non-clinical actors.

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) received a copy of my provisional report and were invited to comment. I have considered their feedback when preparing my final report.