Report on an announced follow up inspection of He Puna Waiora Mental Health Inpatient Unit, North Shore Hospital Campus

Background

Ombudsmen are designated as one of the National Preventive Mechanisms (NPMs) under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989 (COTA), with responsibility for examining and monitoring the conditions and treatment of patients detained in secure units within New Zealand hospitals.

My role is to form an independent opinion as to the conditions and treatment in these places, report my observations and if necessary make recommendations for improvement.

Between 23 and 26 August 2022, two Inspectors – who I have authorised to visit places of detention under COTA on my behalf - made an announced four-day inspection of the He Puna Waiora Mental Health Inpatient Unit. This follow up inspection focussed on progress in implementing the recommendations I made as a result of my 2019 inspection.

Summary

The Unit is an inpatient acute mental health facility, located in the grounds of North Shore Hospital Campus, Auckland. It provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment, stabilisation, and crisis care for adult tāngata whai ora. [1]

My November 2019 inspection resulted in me making 15 recommendations. The DHB accepted 11 of those recommendations and rejected four recommendations.

As a result of my 2022 follow up inspection I consider that three of my recommendations were achieved, seven were progressing but not yet achieved, and five were not achieved.

On the basis of my follow up inspection, I make eight recommendations. These are generally amended repeat recommendations from my 2019 inspection. In addition, I make one new recommendation as a result of my 2022 Inspection.

Feedback process

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Health received a copy of my provisional report and were invited to comment. I received responses from both Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā and the Ministry of Health, and I have considered their feedback when preparing my final report.

The final report was provided to the Unit, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, and the Ministry of Health in July 2023.

Footnote

[1] A person who uses mental health and addiction services. This term is often used interchangeably with consumer or client. Return to text