Report on an announced follow up inspection of Te Whare Manaaki Unit, Hillmorton Hospital

Excerpt: Inspection approach

From 18 to 21 March 2024, a team of two Inspectors, whom I have authorised to carry out visits to places of detention on my behalf, made an announced four-day visit as part of the inspection of Te Whare Manaaki Unit, Hillmorton Hospital (the Unit). Inspectors were guided by my expectations for tāngata whai ora conditions and treatment.

Built in 1991, Te Whare Manaaki is a 12-bed medium secure inpatient admission unit. It is part of the Regional Forensic Mental Health Service (the Service), run by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Canterbury (Health NZ), and is located on the Hillmorton Hospital grounds. 

The inspection followed up on the seven recommendations I made as a result of my previous inspection in 2018. The Unit accepted all seven recommendations at that time.

Inspectors gathered and assessed a range of information, including reviewing documents, interviewing a number of people, and observing facility activities. Before leaving the facility, Inspectors met with senior management to outline their initial observations.