PSA Decries Closure Of Specialist Mental Health Facility Segar House

The PSA strongly objects to the decision released today to close Rauaroha - Segar House, a specialised mental health facility based in Auckland for some of New Zealand’s most complex patients.

"Despite the critical life-saving work done at Segar House, Health New Zealand has today announced its decision to shut this unique, much-needed service," Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.

"This is terrible news for staff, those who rely on the specialist support offered at Segar House and their loved ones.

"We’re calling on Health New Zealand and the government to reverse this decision and commit to properly funding Segar House. New Zealanders want - and deserve - public mental healthcare that serves everyone, even and especially those with complex needs."

Segar House is a wrap-around service for mental health clients that incorporates several different kinds of therapies. Its emphasis on group work and positive social interaction is designed to help their patients re-integrate smoothly into normal life.

"The team working at Segar House are devastated, they know this decision will have tragic consequences," Fitzsimons says.

"Segar House has supported patients with highly complex health histories, with more than one diagnosed issue, as well as horrific early trauma well for many years. They can only come to Segar House when they’ve already exhausted all other options - it’s the last option for these mental health patients.

Te Whatu Ora first proposed closing Segar House in April this year, saying the facility was under-utilised.

In response, staff criticised Te Whatu Ora’s referral rules as overly restrictive.

After pressure from the clinical team last year, Segar House trialled working with Primary Care Liaison teams to drop the barrier for admission and had good results with an increase in clients getting access to their intensive treatment.

The PSA is also seeking legal advice following more recent revelations that Te Whatu Ora considered not renewing the Segar House lease last year, months before the closure proposal was tabled.

Nearly 3000 people have signed a PSA petition calling for the continued funding of Segar House.

Note:

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

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