Waikato DHB Statement Re Marcus Whakataka

Thursday, 10 May 2007, 11:49 am
Press Release: Waikato District Health Board

Waikato DHB Statement Re Marcus Whakataka

The following is a statement from Chris Harris Waikato District Health Board General Manager Mental Health & Addiction Service:

RE: Marcus Whakataka who was arrested this morning for allegedly stabbing a Hamilton policeman:

STATEMENT FOLLOWS:

This is a very sad event for both police and for mental health and and other community services and my heartfelt concern and sympathy is extended to the injured policeman's family.

It is my understanding that an arrest has occurred and our services are working actively with the police on this matter.

The individual in question is yet to be assessed and it is inappropriate given the current circumstances to provide information that is considered sub judice. I am therefore not able to make further comment around the details of this unfortunate and sad incident.

However I am in a position to take questions on mental health services in the Waikato generally.

There are 4800 people in the community being cared for by our mental health services professionals.

We are actively monitoring 40 people who have high and complex needs.

People who have experienced mental illness require and deserve good treatment.

This is a very rare, tragic and unfortunate event.

We have 480 people living successful lives in the community who had high and complex needs previously.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Waikato District Health Board

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Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.

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