43705 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health

43705 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health: Does the Minister agree with the concerns of Jenny Redwood, the mother of Joe Carter, a mental health patient who died in the care of Waikato hospital , that Carter had been moved between wards, slept in the lounge under a blanket and put into a converted interview room because the centre was at 120% occupancy; if so, what, if anything, will he do to address these concerns?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am aware that Health New Zealand specialist mental health services are experiencing high demand and occupancy across the country. I am further advised that work is underway on a new Acute Adult Mental Health facility which will add four beds and better support current models of care. A further 10-bed unit has been approved to support people with high and complex needs.