Nursing care not at fault: review

AN external review has found no fault with the nursing care Wakari patient Gordon McLean received prior to his disappearance almost two years ago.

However, mental health facilities and procedures at Wakari are being reviewed to prevent a similar case happening again.

Mr McLean (63), a frail man admitted to Wakari with schizophrenia and dementia, was last seen on October 17, 2017.

A resident in a nonsecure facility, Mr McLean left the hospital grounds that day and has not been seen again.

An extensive search of the hospital grounds and surrounds, as well as nearby Frasers Gully, Halfway Bush and Helensburgh, failed to find any sign of Mr McLean.

Southern District Health Board mental health general manager Louise Travers said an external review into Mr McLean’s care commissioned following his disappearance had been completed, but could not be shared for patient privacy reasons.

‘‘It found that Mr McLean had a dedicated clinical team caring for him, and found no fault with the nursing care he received prior to his disappearance.’’

However, the review had raised broader concerns about mental health facilities at Wakari, Ms Travers said.

In May the SDHB commissioner team was told some buildings at Wakari were no longer fit for purpose, and staff have been drafting reports for the board as it considers a possible approach to the Government for capital works at the hospital.

Ms Travers said the review into Mr McLean’s disappearance also highlighted the need to build closer working relationships between services to improve support plans for patients.

‘‘A review of procedures when a patient leaves hospital and there are concerns for their safety is also in progress.’’

Mr McLean was last seen wearing a dark polar fleece, trousers, a red polo shirt, brown slippers and a black puffer vest.

‘‘We have dedicated staff who work hard to provide the best possible care for our patients,’’ Ms Travers said.

‘‘This is a very sad situation, where Mr McLean has not been found.’’

The case has yet to be referred to the coroner.