Mental health facility inspection reports published

The Ombudsman has published six inspection reports after visiting mental health facilities in Gisborne, Wellington, Lower Hutt and Porirua, in 2024. 

The reports are: 

• Unannounced inspection of Te Whare o Matairangi (Ward 27) (Wellington), September 2024
• Announced follow up inspection of Te Whare Ahuru Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Hutt Hospital, October/November 2024
• Unannounced follow up inspection of Pūrehurehu Forensic Acute Mental Health Unit, Rātonga-Rua-O-Porirua, June 2024 
• Unannounced follow up inspection of Rangipapa Forensic Acute Mental Health Unit, Rātonga-Rua-O-Porirua, June 2024 
• Unannounced follow up inspection of Tāwhirimātea Rehabilitation Unit, Rātonga-Rua-O-Porirua, June/July 2024
• Unannounced follow up inspection of Te Whare Awhi Ora - Ward 11, Gisborne Hospital, October 2024 

The reports cover a range of themes including overcapacity and environmental restraint.

All reports allowed for feedback from facilities before being finalised.

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 places of detention including health and disability facilities and prisons, to ensure they meet international human rights standards.