Government Ignores Mental Health Shambles

New Zealand First is calling on the Government to step in and do something about the appalling conditions CATT psychiatric staff are working under around the country.

“The mental health system is falling down around us and the Government does not seem to care,” said health spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“This has been going on for too long – years in fact, and something has to be done before another tragedy occurs.

“Psychiatric workers are under-resourced and overworked and the system is failing staff, patients and the wider community.

“There are staff in Auckland waiting for another tragedy so they can be heard. This has gone beyond just being a staffing and bed shortage - it has reached dangerous territory.

“The Government has been saying for at least two years that something will be done to help psychiatric workers, yet we have mental health patients being held in police cells for days at a time because there are no beds available.

“This is of major concern because it means the patients are not getting appropriate medical attention and could potentially harm themselves or someone else.

“The situation has passed crisis point and the Government must act now,” said Mr Paraone.

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