New Zealand - Increase in services for forensic mental health patients

Citation

(2007), "New Zealand - Increase in services for forensic mental health patients", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 20 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2007.06220eab.009

New Zealand - Increase in services for forensic mental health patients

New ZealandIncrease in services for forensic mental health patients

The Ministry of Health notes the increase in forensic mental health services provision across the country, as shown in the Census of Forensic Mental Health Services, carried out in 2005. In this census there were 236 secure and non-secure inpatient beds across all five forensic service regions. This compares to 206 in 1999, an increase of 30 beds.

Director of Mental Health, Dr David Chaplow, says the increase reflects the growth in service provision need, which was largely a result of an increased prison muster. The Ministry of Health is committed to monitoring this need, and providing resources for forensic services in accordance with demand as it arises.

Along with these additional beds, there has been an increase in prison liaison services, with over 22 prison liaison full-time equivalent (FTE) employees established nationwide since 1999. Prison liaison services are serving on average 5 per cent of prisoners. The Ministry of Health would like to see an increase in the percentage of prisoners receiving forensic services, as epidemiological studies show a greater need than 5 per cent exists.

Since 1999 there has been an increased emphasis on the transfer of community-based forensic service users to general adult mental health services, where practically possible.

Dr Chaplow says this is good news, and shows that community-based care services are doing an effective job in providing care for patients. Despite this, the annual prison population is set to increase within the next few years from approximately 7,712 in June 2007, to approximately 8,685 in June 2010. Regional forensic services’ capacity looks set to be further stretched because of this. A recent example is the opening of the new Spring Hill prison near Meremere, which will place pressure on forensic services in the Waikato region.

The Ministry is currently updating the 2001 Forensic Framework (Services for People with Mental Illness in the Justice System 2001) to take account of this 2005 Census. The updated review reflects new issues that have emerged since 2001, which include the increase of female service users, service issues around youth, and the future demand on forensic services, particularly from growth in prison numbers. Future forecasts for FTEs and service requirements for the next five years will also be included.

Key DHBs, who include those providing regional forensic services and funders, will be consulted before mid-2007 for their views on service direction and planning for this timeframe.

The Census of Forensic Mental Health Services 2005 can be viewed at www.moh.govt.nz/publicationsbydate