Mental Health In Crisis

“The Government must accept that there is a place in our society for secure mental health institutions that are well funded and can deal with all categories of patients,” said New Zealand First mental health spokesperson Ron Mark after the findings of the Paul Ellis case were released today.

The inquiry found numerous deficiencies in the system including poor communications, misunderstandings and workforce inadequacies and generally failing Mr Ellis when he needed help.

“It is time for the Government to put in place secure mental health institutions before another family has to suffer at the hands of a mental health patient,” said Mr Mark.

“Similar findings before have led nowhere. How many more times must we have to hear mental health apologising to a family for a senseless death?

“There is a small percentage of mental health patients who are incapable of living in the community and unfortunately this has been proved too many times with fatal consequences.

“It is beyond comprehension that the Government has still not acted to rectify what is glaringly obvious – that there is a place in our society for secure mental health institutions.

“Stop with the politically correct rubbish and act now to ensure the safety of the public and the patients.

“The buck stops somewhere and in this case it is not with individual health boards but with the Government and its inadequate provision of inpatient resources,” said Mr Mark.

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