Report highlights need for improved mental health

Media Statement

Wednesday 15 April 2009

Report highlights need for improved mental health care

“The recent report on serious events in mental health services, released by the Office of the Director of Mental Health, highlights significant room for improvement in mental health care. Families of people experiencing a serious mental illness need assurances that DHBs are providing a safe and secure environment for their loved ones. The report clearly demonstrates that these assurances cannot be guaranteed,” says Florence Leota, Chief Executive of Schizophrenia Fellowship New Zealand (SFNZ).

Ms Leota commented that the objective of the reporting – to record serious events in order to understand why they occurred and prevent their reoccurrence – was laudable. However she noted that less laudable was the fact that the reporting was outdated, and it was inconsistent across DHBs with some being open and frank, with others less so.

“Consumers of mental health services have complex needs and these require a coordinated approach. SFNZ is a staunch advocate for integrated care – this means complementing the use of clinical support for someone with a mental illness, with support in other areas that impact on their overall health and quality of life. For example, research has shown that people who experience mental illness have fewer relapses when their family/whanau is involved in their care and treatment. The report clearly shows that in some areas of the country, this involvement is simply not happening”, Ms Leota said.

“Over 90% of our SFNZ branches have told us in a survey, that District Health Boards only sometimes include families in recovery planning and others say not at all. This is unacceptable when it comes to the recovery of family members.

“With the number of people accessing mental health services in New Zealand increasing every year, families need information and support. The alternative is to undermine the recovery process for people with a serious mental illness, with families picking up the pieces,” concluded Ms Leota.

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