Search continues as DHB investigates
THE search will continue today for a Dunedin man as the district health board investigates how he was able to leave Wakari Hospital.
Gordon McLean has been missing since about 3pm on Thursday, when he left the hospital.
Despite a search team of about 60 people combing the city and waterways, he has not been found.
The 63yearold has schizophrenia and dementia.
Southern DHB’s medical director for mental health, addictions and intellectual disability Brad Strong said they were ‘‘increasingly concerned’’ for Mr McLean’s wellbeing.
‘‘Our focus at this stage is on working with the police and we thank all those in the community for any assistance they can provide to the search.
‘‘Mr McLean was resident in a nonsecure facility. However, we will be fully reviewing the circumstances around his departure and care in light of these events.’’
Searchers broadened their hunt for Mr McLean yesterday after failing to find any sign of him near the psychiatric hospital.
Police are concerned for his safety and believe he may have fallen somewhere.
A police spokeswoman said yesterday LandSAR and Red Cross volunteers, a search and rescue dog and police searched further afield in Dunedin’s Town Belt for him.
They also continued to search in Wakari, Helensburgh, Halfway Bush, Kaikorai Valley and Frasers Gully, the spokeswoman said.
This search would continue today.
Dunedin residents were asked to check their backyards and sheds, and under houses, for him.
Mr McLean is about 152cm tall and has a very thin build. He was last seen wearing a darkcoloured polar fleece and trousers, a red polo shirt, brown slippers and a black puffer sleeveless jacket.
Any sightings of Mr McLean should be reported to police immediately on 111.