S95 Inquiry into Hutt Valley DHB Mental Health Service Released 28 June 2012

The Director of Mental Health Dr John Crawshaw has today released the findings of an inquiry under Section 95 of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, into Hutt Valley District Health Board's Mental Health Service.

The former Director of Mental Health commissioned the inquiry in June 2010 following serious allegations being raised about the service.

The findings of the inquiry include management of the service, the role of the Office of the Director of Area Mental Health Services, the monitoring and reporting of serious incidents and the Mental Health Service's management and clinical governance at the time.

The current Director of Mental Health, Dr Crawshaw, has accepted the inquiry's recommendations.

Dr Crawshaw says the inquiry describes an unhappy chapter in mental health services in the Hutt Valley. 'I extend my sympathy to those individuals and their families involved in the inquiry and the two years it covers.

'This thorough investigation has led to important changes in services which I judge to be entirely appropriate in light of the issues covered by the inquiry.

'I look forward to further strengthening of the mental health unit as planned changes are fully implemented.'

The Ministry of Health will monitor the DHB's implementation of the recommendations.

Please see the attached report and background information.

For further information contact Peter Abernethy, (04) 486 2008 or 021 366 111.

Background information

Concerns were raised with the Director of Mental Health about various matters relating to the Mental Health Service at Hutt Valley District Health Board. This included a number of serious allegations regarding services and clinical issues pertaining to individual patients in addition to leadership and systemic issues.

Inquiry timeframe

The former Director of Mental Health commissioned the inquiry in June 2010. This report is being released following the Director of Mental Health's consideration of the findings. The Director's considerations are also being released with the report.