32295 (2025). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health

32295 (2025). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health: What analysis, if any, has Health New Zealand undertaken to compare the cost-effectiveness of creating additional forensic mental health beds in the Waikato, with the option of contracting community providers to deliver community-based forensic services; what is the cost differential between these two options?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that forensic mental health beds and forensic community step-down beds are for different populations. Those under specific legal provisions with more acute mental health needs and higher clinical risk and safety concerns require hospital-level care in forensic inpatient units. I am further advised that community step-down beds, managed by community providers, are for those transitioning out of hospital-level care and back into the community. I am also advised that while cost-effectiveness may be considered in applicable situations, it is clinical need and continuum of care requirements that dictate the bed types procured by Health New Zealand rather than cost-effectiveness for forensic mental health care.