Potential human rights abuses uncovered at Dunedin's Wakari Hospital - ombudsman
- Lydia Anderson | RNZ
- 4 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Health New Zealand plans to close a Wakari Hospital ward after the chief ombudsman uncovered potential human rights abuses.
Inspectors visited the inpatient unit for adults with intellectual disabilities in Dunedin in March.
Their observations included long-term seclusion, prolonged restraints, unlawful administration of medication, denying people access to their own money and people being rewarded for "good" behaviour with access to basic necessities - including the toilet and dental care.
One person was secluded in their bedroom for about 18 months.
Chief ombudsman John Allen told Checkpoint he was disturbed by what they found and some of the treatment amounted to torture.
"What they observed at Ward 10A are some of the worst practices we have observed anywhere," he said.
"I know that New Zealanders struggle with the idea that there's torture going on in places of detention across our country. But against those sorts of (international) principles, yes, in my view, that was probably torture."
He called on Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health to act immediately.
Health New Zealand said patients were being relocated to places better suited to their needs and it was trying to reduce seclusion and improve clinical oversight.
The Ministry of Health confirmed it would investigate the serious concerns raised and said the ward's closure would not affect that process.
Allen said the punitive and coercive approach to people's care was unacceptable.
Allen earlier called for ministry intervention, saying he was disturbed by what they found, with some of the allegations amounting to potential human rights abuses.
"In one instance, a person was being tied down on a bariatric or 'EVAC' mat to move them around the ward. This was causing physical and mental harm to the person who suffered carpet burns as a result."
Patients were being treated without the dignity and without the respect they deserve, he said.
In 2022, the ombudsman at the time called the ward 'a disgrace' and said an upgrade was critically needed.
Allen also criticised the lack of improvements to the Ward 10A, saying the unit needed to be fit-for-purpose.
Allen did acknowledge that once the concerns were raised with the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand they did act quickly.
Health New Zealand had closed the ward to new admissions, and the Ministry of Health had accepted his recommendation to conduct an independent investigation, Allen said.
"The issues at Ward 10A are a stark reminder that much more needs to be done to make sure the very vulnerable in our community, like people with intellectual disabilities, are kept safe and treated with dignity and respect," Allen said.
"This requires a sustained approach and acknowledgement that a one-size-fits all approach will not work."
The Ministry of Health said a district inspector was already investigating two complaints about patient care.
"The district inspector and the ministry are considering legal options for further investigation to ensure the concerns are fully examined," a spokesperson said.
"The closure of the ward does not impact on the investigation which will continue and report back to the Ombudsman in due course."
Health New Zealand mental health and addictions director Phil Grady said work had begun to close the ward but its future use was unknown.
The decision to close to relocate patients followed longstanding concerns about its suitability for supporting and rehabilitating people with high and complex needs, as well as the physical environment of Ward 10A, he said.
"We take patient safety and care very seriously and want to acknowledge the patients, their families, and our staff, all of whom we are supporting during this period of change," he said.
"Our focus remains on ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of the current patients, while strengthening oversight and reviewing practices."
Health New Zealand acknowledged the concerns raised, he said.
"The issues raised by the Ombudsman relate to the treatment and conditions experienced by some patients in Ward 10A and include concerns about restrictive practices, prolonged seclusion, rehabilitation opportunities, and aspects of care delivery," he said.
"Some of these matters involve complex clinical circumstances that remain subject to further review. It is important these processes are completed so that all available evidence and clinical context can be fully considered."
A national review of forensic intellectual disability services would be undertaken with the Minister of Social Development, which funds services.
He confirmed Health New Zealand urgently stopped admissions to the ward in late April after a visit from the Office of the Ombudsman in March.
Health New Zealand started planning to relocate patients in May.
It had also sought to enhance clinical oversight, review patient care and rehabilitation plans, strengthen approaches to reducing seclusion and governance arrangements, he said.
Affected staff were being supported and Health New Zealand was exploring where they might be redeployed.
"The future use of the Ward 10A facility, including refurbishment and repurposing options, remains under consideration, and further decisions will be made in due course."
