
Caring for high needs, vulnerable New Zealanders
Hon Dr David Clark
Minister of Health
9 August 2018
Media Statement
A new purpose-built mental health facility will mean a better
environment, better care and an improved quality of life for a
group of extremely vulnerable New Zealanders, Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern says.
Announcing $8.4m in funding for a new six unit secure facility,
she said it would provide quality, individualised care for New
Zealand's most high needs intellectual disability and mental health
patients.
"It may be a small number of people who need this service, but
at the moment we're not meeting that need.
"These people are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. They
and the staff who care for them deserve fit for purpose facilities
that meet existing needs and this investment ensures
that.
"It is part of our commitment to fix problems in the mental
health sector and follows previous initiatives including dedicated
mental health support to primary and intermediate schools in
Kaikoura and Christchurch, funding new drug and detox facilities at
Auckland City Mission and a pilot programme for free counselling to
18 to 25 year olds," Jacinda Ardern said.
The new units will house patients who have an intellectual
disability and or a mental health diagnosis, under the care of
Mental Health Addiction and Intellectual Disability Services, and
will be built by Capital & Coast DHB at their
Rātonga-Rua-O-Porirua Campus.
Health Minister Dr David Clark said the individualised service
units will provide greater quality of life for patients who had
previously been in inpatient services for a significant period of
time.
"This will provide an opportunity for greater rehabilitative
gains and the potential for reintegration into the community," Dr
Clark said.
"This Government has significantly increased the funding
available to DHBs for capital works to $750m for the 2018/19
financial year, focusing on mental health facilities such as the
individualised service units planned for Rātonga-Rua-O-Porirua, as
well as the most urgent building projects and remediating critical
infrastructure."
An inquiry into mental health and addiction services is due to
report back to the Government at the end of October.
"We expect it to result in robust recommendation and advice for
improving outcomes for those suffering mental health distress. But
in the meantime getting this new facility underway will mean better
care for a small group of clients and wider benefits across the
sector in terms of reduced pressure on existing facilities," Dr
Clark said.
Last updated:
August 29, 2018