Chief Ombudsman on acute care mental health facilities

Over-crowded, soiled carpets, inadequate toilet facilities and patients subject to potentially degrading behaviour. That's how Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier described the Te Whare Ahuru 'acute care' mental health facility in the Hutt Valley, where some of our most seriously unwell patients go to get help. Mr Boshier released reports into three such facilities yesterday, two of which he deemed not fit for purpose. The Star 1 unit on the grounds of Palmerston North Hospital was also criticised for its "institutional feel" its lack of facilities and its concerning use of restraints. Meanwhile, the newly-built Tiaho Mai unit on the grouds of Auckland's Middlemore Hospital was held-up as a fine example of a modern therapeutic environment. Our producer Matthew Theunissen asked Mr Boshier to explain the role of these facilities and the sorts of patients they treat.