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Health Minister Chris Hipkins admitted that Rotorua Hospital’s mental health unit is not safe for both staff and patients.
Hipkins visited the hospital Wednesday to announce a new $ 31 million acute mental health facility that will begin construction late next year ahead of the planned opening in 2023.
When asked if, given safety concerns about the 40-year-old facility, which it described as in poor condition and “putting people at risk,” it was acceptable that it was still in use, it said Lakes DHB was “doing everything possible”. to mitigate the risk generated by these facilities ”.
Kelly Hodel / Stuff
Health Minister Chris Hipkins and Waiariki Labor MP Tāmati Coffey at Rotorua Hospital.
“Having said that there is a limit to what they can do with the physical space they have, so a new physical space is absolutely necessary.”
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Hipkins said he toured the facility before the announcement and described it as “not culturally appropriate for any culture, frankly.”
“A dark, outdated, quite depressing environment where you want to lift people up, those facilities are not going to do that,” he said.
“They are not safe for staff in certain circumstances and I know DHB is working hard to mitigate that level of risk, not to put staff in those unsafe circumstances, but a better facility means the risk would not exist.”
KELLY HODEL / Things
Health Minister Chris Hipkins announces funding decision in Rotorua.
He also said there were problems with the provision of mental health “across the country.”
“We know that this is an area where there has been historical low investment. Forgotten to be perfectly frank. “
Hipkins’ visit comes just two weeks after the Salvation Army’s State of the Communities report concluded that Rotorua was “crying out for a serious effort to address the lack of mental health support.”
“Improving addiction and mental health services remains one of the greatest long-term challenges facing New Zealand,” said Hipkins.
“Lakes DHB’s 14-bed Whare Whakaue acute mental health and addiction facility is over 40 years old, in poor condition, and despite the dedicated work of staff, it is affecting the quality of care provided, putting people at risk.
“The increasing number of people in Rotorua, Taupō and the surrounding areas requiring this support deserve better and so I am pleased to confirm that the government has approved the DHB business case to replace this facility.
“This new facility will make a real difference for service users, whānau and staff. It will have capacity for around 16 beds and the potential for future expansion to 20 beds.
“There will be flexibility to better meet specific needs, such as young adults and seniors. The facility will be more spacious and light with improved whānau spaces and a safer therapeutic environment to support recovery.
It is expected to reduce readmissions and the demand for community and subacute beds, he said.
“Lakes DHB is also committed to strengthening its mental health and addiction services through more integrated and community-based acute primary care options, and strong links to outreach, home and community services.
“This will mean that people can get better and earlier access to services, particularly for groups at risk such as pregnant mothers, young people, Maori and people with drug and alcohol addictions.”
Lakes DHB will continue to interact with service users and whānau, along with community providers and DHB staff, as the project progresses.
“The local iwi have been very involved in the project which will ensure that the facility meets the needs of the district’s Maori communities, helping to reduce inequalities,” said Hipkins.
“This is important as the Lakes DHB, which serves over 110,000 people, is around 35% Maori compared to the national average of 15%.
Construction of the new facility should begin in the second half of next year. It is expected to be completed in about two years.
The Government is providing $ 25 million in funding for the project and DHB will contribute an additional $ 6 million.
Lakes DHB President Jim Mather said they had spent 10 years making the business case for the new facility, describing it as “one of the highest priorities for Lakes DHB.”
