Coroner's recommendations disappoint

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is disappointed that a Coroner’s report into the suicide of a woman at a respite care centre in Wellington, suggests that mental health workers treat their work strictly as a 9-5 job.

As part of his report into three suicides in the Wellington region, the Coroner has criticised a series of failings of mental health services, and one of his recommendations is that mental health staff be prepared to work overtime or call in backup.

NZNO industrial adviser, Lesley Harry says, “Mental health workers work extremely hard to provide the very best care for all their clients and they often go the extra mile. Every case is different but it would be a shame if the Coroner’s report paints the wrong picture and undermines public confidence in the job they do and their commitment to it.”

“Mental health workers provide an important service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ultimately the employer is responsible for ensuring that there are enough staff on each shift to provide the right care at the right time.”

ENDS

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