The PSA strongly objects to the decision released today
to close Rauaroha – Segar House, a specialised mental health
facility based in Auckland for some of New Zealand’s most
complex patients.
“Despite the critical life-saving
work done at Segar House, Health New Zealand has today
announced its decision to shut this unique, much-needed
service,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here
Tikanga Mahi national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons,
says.
“This is terrible news for staff, those who rely
on the specialist support offered at Segar House and their
loved ones.
“We’re calling on Health New Zealand and
the government to reverse this decision and commit to
properly funding Segar House. New Zealanders want – and
deserve – public mental healthcare that serves everyone,
even and especially those with complex
needs.”
Segar House is a wrap-around
service for mental health clients that incorporates several
different kinds of therapies. Its emphasis on group work and
positive social interaction is designed to help their
patients re-integrate smoothly into normal
life.
“The team working at Segar House
are devastated, they know this decision will have tragic
consequences,” Fitzsimons says.
“Segar House has
supported patients with highly complex health histories,
with more than one diagnosed issue, as well as horrific
early trauma well for many years. They can only come to
Segar House when they’ve already exhausted all other
options – it’s the last option for these mental health
patients.
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Te Whatu Ora first proposed closing Segar
House in April this year, saying the facility was
under-utilised.
In response, staff criticised Te Whatu
Ora’s referral rules as overly restrictive.
After
pressure from the clinical team last year, Segar House
trialled working with Primary Care Liaison teams to drop the
barrier for admission and had good results with an increase
in clients getting access to their intensive
treatment.
The PSA is also seeking legal advice
following more recent revelations that Te Whatu Ora
considered not renewing the Segar House lease last year,
months before the closure proposal was tabled.
Nearly
3000 people have signed a PSA
petition calling for the continued funding of Segar
House.
Note:
The Public Service
Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa
New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and
supporting more than 95,000 workers across central
government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health
boards and community
groups.
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