Probes into disability services
The Chief Ombudsman is investigating the Ministry of Health and its oversight of services and facilities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Peter Boshier said the ability of the ministry to resource, coordinate and plan intellectual disability services would come under the microscope in his two investigations, announced publicly yesterday.
‘‘I will consider the capacity of the health system to meet the needs of some of society’s most vulnerable people,’’ he said.
Advocates in the sector have long raised concerns about the inappropriate placement of some people with an intellectual disability, including in locked mental health units.
Ashley Peacock, an intellectually disabled man, spent eight years in a locked mental health facility before his release last year.
Serious concerns have also been raised about a Christchurch man who has spent thousands of days in a locked unit for mental health patients who have committed serious crimes.
IHC director of advocacy Trish Grant said systemic failures, including inappropriate placements, had been highlighted in the media and by people working in the sector. She was delighted the investigations were taking place.
‘‘This has been a forgotten and often hidden group of people. They are citizens also, and they deserve this level of investigation into their circumstances, particularly those who have lost their liberty.’’
The ministry includes disability support services, which is responsible for planning and funding disability services nationwide. This includes services for people with an intellectual disability who have committed a crime and are under compulsory care legislation.
The ministry contracts five district health boards (DHBs) around the country to provide forensic intellectual disability services. The DHBs provide about 66 secure hospital beds between them. Boshier said he was aware at times there was a shortage of beds which meant some people had faced lengthy delays before being assessed by the courts. ‘‘I will also consider whether some have been unlawfully detained in prison or other unsuitable places because there has been nowhere else for them to go.’’
A ministry spokesman said last month in a few cases people with an intellectual disability had been placed in forensic mental health services instead of a forensic intellectual disability service.
‘‘This is less than ideal and the ministry is working hard to address the pressure issues,’’ he said. A national working group had been set up to come up with solutions.
Boshier said his investigation would look at whether facilities were adequate for those referred by the courts for assessment, as well as for long-term clients, women and youth.
‘‘I will also look at how much workforce planning is being done to make sure there are enough appropriately trained staff,’’ he said.