The Ministry of Health has published the Terms of Reference for an independent inquiry into the care and rehabilitation of care recipients at Ward 10A, Wakari Hospital, a specialist forensic intellectual disability unit near Dunedin.
The inquiry is being established under section 101 of the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003.
Director-General of Health Audrey Sonerson has commissioned the inquiry following concerns raised about the care and treatment of care recipients at Ward 10A.
Director of Mental Health Dr John Crawshaw says the Terms of Reference were developed following serious concerns being raised by the Chief Ombudsman, district inspectors and others regarding the care and treatment of care recipients at the unit.
Dr Crawshaw says the inquiry will be led by Auckland-based District Inspector Andrew Molloy and supported by Wellington-based consultant clinical psychologist Nigel Fairley.
The inquiry will examine the care and rehabilitation provided to care recipients at Ward 10A between June 2024 and June 2026.
Dr Crawshaw says the Inquiry’s scope includes considering whether care met legal and clinical standards, whether restrictions on care recipients were justified and proportionate, whether the rights of care recipients were upheld, and whether there are wider systemic issues that require attention.
He says the inquiry may also make recommendations to strengthen oversight, compliance and practice for both Ward 10A and for other similar facilities where applicable.
The inquiry is expected to commence as soon as practicable and will report its findings and recommendations to the Director-General of Health within six months of commencement.
The full Terms of Reference are available on the Ministry of Health website: Independent inquiry into Ward 10A, Wakari Hospital.
