10550 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

10550 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter October – December 2023 to ‘Develop solutions with communities, including with NZ Police, to support people who are in mental distress or experiencing an acute mental health and addiction episode to access timely care and support’ under section 2.5 ‘Oranga hinengaro | People living with mental distress, illness and addictions’ within Te Whatu Ora’s Te Pae Tata: Interim New Zealand Health Plan 2022?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the October - December 2023 quarter, Health New Zealand continued to strengthen its relationship with NZ Police at a national and local level in terms of supporting people in mental distress. This work included advancing a shared understanding of the needs of those in mental health crisis, and potential solutions for helping them. I am further advised that in the quarter Health NZ collected information from all Districts regarding existing arrangements for working with Police when people in crisis present via local police.