Chief Ombudsman John Allen says he is "disturbed" by what inspectors had found at Wakari Hospital’s 10A ward – highlighting an urgent need for agencies to show greater commitment to the safety and dignity of "the most vulnerable people in their care".
The ward, in the northwest of Dunedin, is an inpatient forensic unit for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Allen called on Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health to act immediately.
He said inspectors visited in March this year and found "compelling evidence" of "punitive and coercive treatment" of people in the ward.
“This was causing physical and mental harm to the person who suffered carpet burns as a result.”
In seclusion for 18 months
Inspectors also found one person had been “secluded for around 18 months” with “an almost complete lack of meaningful human contact and no access to the outdoors”.
Allen said other instances of ill-treatment included restrictions on dental care, and people being denied access to their own money.
“Staff were observed incentivising 'good' behaviour by rewarding people with access to basic necessities including the use of a toilet or dental treatment.
"Inspectors also noted that treatment of people may have extended to the unlawful administration of medication.
"These are allegations of serious and significant failures that amount to potential human rights abuses. This punitive and coercive approach to the care of people in Ward 10A is unacceptable.”
He added there had been “next to no improvement to the physical structure” of the ward despite the ongoing concerns.
“Infrastructure, facilities and the physical environment must be fit-for-purpose. This is critical to the health, safety and well-being of people in the ward and for staff. This applies not just to ward 10A but across the system.”
The inspection was carried out between March 17 and March 20 under the Crime of Torture Act 1989 and concerns were raised with the Ministry of Health and Health NZ in April. Following that, both agencies were given time to respond to the findings and had done so.
“We chose to raise our concerns directly with the Ministry of Health and Health NZ," the Ombudsman said. "They have both acknowledged our concerns and the importance of ensuring that all people in Ward 10A are treated properly.”
Allen said the Ministry of Health had accepted his recommendation to undertake an independent investigation into the treatment and conditions of the people at the ward, and closed it to new admissions.
“It is very important now that they make sure the same number of beds are available across the structure to avoid putting more pressure on the system.”
He added Health New Zealand had “taken the matter very seriously”.
“I will be closely monitoring the progress and actions taken by both Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health.
'Stark reminder' of the need for dignity and respect
"The issues at Ward 10A are a stark reminder that much more needs to be done to make sure the very vulnerable in our community, like people with intellectual disabilities, are kept safe and treated with dignity and respect.
“This requires a sustained approach and acknowledgment that a one-size-fits all approach will not work.”
Allen said New Zealand has an obligation under international and domestic law to ensure people are not subjected to ill-treatment, along with a positive duty to investigate where there are reasonable grounds to believe that ill-treatment has occurred.”
The inspection at ward 10A were an example of the critical function performed by his office, he said.
“While we don’t want to find and uncover situations like this, when we do, this is how we respond. I am very grateful for the work of our inspectors.”
1News has approached Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health for comment.
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