OPCAT reports

Report on an unannounced follow up inspection of the Kensington Centre Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Timaru

Ombudsman:
Peter Boshier
Issue date:
Format:
PDF Word
Language:
English

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Excerpt: Inspection overview

From 18 to 20 April 2023, two inspectors made an unannounced three-day inspection of the Kensington Centre Inpatient Mental Health Unit (the Unit), Timaru. The Unit is an acute adult inpatient unit, providing assessment, treatment and stabilisation of tāngata whai ora experiencing acute mental health issues, who are unable to be cared for safely in a community environment. 

The inspection was to follow up on the 10 recommendations I made following my previous inspection in October 2019. The Unit had accepted four, partially accepted five, and rejected one of these recommendations.

Inspectors gathered and assessed a range of information, including reviewing documents, interviewing a number of people, and observing facility activities.

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

As a result of this follow up inspection, I consider that six of my recommendations were achieved, two were progressing but not yet achieved and two recommendations were not achieved. 

Consequently, I recommend Kensington Centre management ensure:

  • All uses of restraint are identified and recorded accurately. This is an amended repeat recommendation.
  • Staff attendance at SPEC training is monitored and comprehensively recorded. This is a repeat recommendation.
  • Tāngata whai ora are provided with copies of their discharge information in a format appropriate for their individual needs and preferences. This is an amended repeat recommendation.

I recommend Te Whatu Ora ensure:

  • All tāngata whai ora bedrooms have natural light. This is an amended repeat recommendation.

While this inspection was primarily concerned with establishing progress made against my 2019 recommendations, I have also commented on a new issue of concern observed during my 2023 inspection. I recommend that Kensington Centre management ensure:

  • All tāngata whai ora have independent access to a private outdoor space which allows for engagement with the natural environment.
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