Report on an announced follow up inspection of Henry Rongomau Bennett – Waiora Waikato Hospital, Hamilton

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.

From 24 to 26 May 2022, three teams of two Inspectors – whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention under COTA on my behalf – made announced three-day inspections to Puna Maatai, Puna Awhi-rua, and Puna Poipoi Wards at Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre.

The inspection was to follow up on recommendations made following my previous inspections in 2019. The follow up inspections focussed on progress in implementing the recommendations I made in 2019, and whether I consider these recommendations to have been achieved, or not. The follow up inspections in 2022 were undertaken when all of New Zealand was at the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light) orange setting.

Summary

Puna Maatai, Puna Awhi-rua, and Puna Poipoi Wards were part of the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre, a mental health facility located at Waiora Waikato Hospital, Hamilton.

Tāngata whai ora[1] on the Wards progressed along a forensic care pathway. Puna Maatai was an acute admission forensic ward; Puna Awhi-rua was a sub-acute forensic ward that offered rehabilitation within the confines of a medium secure environment; and Puna Poipoi was a forensic rehabilitation mental health ward.

The Service was also funded by the Ministry of Health for three designated beds for tāngata whai ora with intellectual disabilities.

I made 15 recommendations for Puna Maatai as a result of my 2019 inspection. During my follow up inspection, I found that one was achieved, six were progressing but not yet achieved, and eight were not achieved.

I made 19 recommendations for Puna Awhi-rua as a result of my 2019 inspection. During my follow up inspection, I found that five were achieved, three were progressing but not yet achieved, 10 were not achieved, and one was unable to be assessed.

I made eight recommendations for Puna Poipoi as a result of my 2019 inspection. During my follow up inspection, I found that one was achieved, one was progressing but not yet achieved, five were not achieved, and one was unable to be assessed.

On the basis of my 2022 follow up inspections, I make 30 recommendations.

A number of these are repeat or amended repeat recommendations from my 2019 inspection, and a number also apply to more than one of the Wards.

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 Te Whatu Ora Waikato and Ministry of Health.

At the time of the follow up inspection, the Wards were under the management of the Waikato District Health Board (the DHB).

Throughout this report there are references to the DHB, as the responsible body at the time of the follow up inspections. However, where appropriate, recommendations are made to Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, as the responsible agency at the time of finalising this report.

Footnote

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