Mental health unit shut

Staffing shortages have closed an in-patient mental health unit at Christchurch’s Hillmorton Hospital. Te Whatu Ora has made the decision to close the 15-bed Tupuna ward as it had only 52 per cent of the staff it needs. Specialist mental health service general manager Dr Greg Hamilton said the nine people currently receiving care and support will be moved in the coming weeks. He said the building will then reopen with a new model of care for acute inpatients in August next year.