PSA Press Release

reporters May 31, 2002

PSA presents case to Mental Health Review group

The PSA today made submissions on Auckland mental health services to the Mental Health Commission’s review group, said PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff.

“Our members were pleased to have the opportunity to advise the Commission of the severe problems they are dealing with on a daily basis and to make recommendations on what needs to be done to fix them.“

Richard Wagstaff said the PSA reiterated to the Commission what it sees as steps that need to be urgently taken including the provision of more beds, the re-establishment of sub-acute units and services, the establishment and enforcement of safe staffing levels, more safe and appropriate assessment facilities, and the strengthening of support for crisis and community teams.

“The recent progress report on the Blueprint for Mental Health Services in New Zealand showed there has been increased spending on mental health and there are some signs of improvement, but there is still a long way to go, particularly in Auckland. Until the recommendations in the Blueprint are reached there will always be gaps in mental health services.”

Richard Wagstaff said the PSA advised the Commission that initiatives being taken in mental health need to be accelerated.

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