Source: PSA
The PSA is condemning the continued implementation of the Police’s Mental Health Response Change programme, saying it leaves mental health workers and patients unacceptably vulnerable to harm.
The union was formally notified by Police in early November that Phase Three of the programme would kick in from today.
“We have been consistent on this since the Mental Health Response Change launched: these changes are dangerous and will cause harm. We call on Health NZ to properly consider the support needed given the withdrawal of Police from this important work,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
This new phase will see a higher threshold in operation for mental health workers seeking Police assistance with unwell patients, as well as a new process for patients who abscond from facilities.
For both new procedures, staff can engage Police only when there is an imminent threat to life or property. The change also means that these emergency calls will be triaged along with every other request that comes through the 111 line.
“Mental health nurses and healthcare assistants work in what can be quite dangerous conditions, with very unwell people who can act unpredictably, they must have a direct line to Police,” Fitzsimons says.
“Health NZ has said it does not expect them to put themselves in harm’s way, but the reality is that for many situations workers must at least do an assessment in-person, leaving themselves open to verbal and physical abuse.
“Furthermore, mental healthcare is legally highly complex. Security staff, for example, don’t have the same rights under the Mental Health Act as clinicians do. There are a whole lot of practical realities Health NZ seems to refuse to acknowledge.”
Fitzsimons says that mental healthcare staff are just as concerned for their patients as they are they their own safety.
“At three in the morning, moving patients in crisis is often highly disruptive not only to their family but the neighbourhood. These patients already face high levels of stigma for the conditions they have – it’s not fair on them or the workers.
“Mental health workers understand that the Police can’t do everything. But there are a whole lot of what-ifs that haven’t been thought through, and at the end of the day patients and families are the ones who miss out.”
The Police Mental Health Response Change Programme was first launched in November 2024. Over the past 12 months, Police have steadily withdrawn their support at mental health callouts, including at inpatient wards, community facilities, during transportation and at Emergency Departments.
