Transition plans completed for Hanmer patients

Transition plans completed for Hanmer patients

The Ministry of Health has ensured that all patients of Hanmer’s drug and alcohol clinics will be cared for by existing service providers.

A transition plan finalised today by a Ministry appointed facilitator outlines the provision of services for Hanmer’s 339 active outpatients and 10 inpatients.

Last week Hanmer Clinic Ltd and the Ministry mutually agreed to end the $9.8 million three-year contract 14 months early because of the company’s financial issues and its ability to meet its contract obligations.

At the time of terminating the contract, both parties agreed that ensuring continuity of service to the patients was of paramount importance.

Ministry spokesman Todd Krieble praised the swift efforts of the DHBs.

“District Health Boards and Hanmer’s board and management have co-operated to the fullest extent possible at short notice to ensure that there is minimal affect on patients.”

Many of the providers have also made offers of employment to Hanmer staff, said Mr Krieble, acting Deputy Director-General Mental Health.

“People in the mental health sector know we can’t afford to lose qualified and experienced staff, and that’s why from the Ministry’s point of view it’s so pleasing to see such a large number being offered ongoing employment.”

Hanmer will cease managing its community clinics in Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland tomorrow.

Hanmer’s management of the residential programme at the Queen Mary site in Hanmer Springs will also stop tomorrow. Richmond Fellowship will manage the service delivery to the remaining patients at Queen Mary until the last patient is discharged on November 22.

In Auckland the services provided by Hanmer Clinic will be delivered from Monday by the Waitemata DHB provider arm.

Both Bay of Plenty and Waikato DHBs has agreed to work with a local trust in each area to continue the work of the Hanmer Clinics in Tauranga and Hamilton.

In Wellington, Hutt Valley DHB will contract the service to a provider, while Canterbury DHB will assume responsibility for provision of services in Christchurch.

Mr Krieble said the Ministry wanted to thank the DHBs and the non-government providers who had assisted the Ministry to ensure that all patients would continue to receive a quality drug and alcohol service.

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