49784 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health

49784 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health: Does he agree with New Zealand Herald's Isaac Davidson that, in some instances, the Counties Manukau’s mental health crisis team was unable to provide a doctor within the emergency department; if so, what, if anything, will he do to address this?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that mental health specialist support for the emergency department (ED) is provided through the Intake and Assessment Team, which also provides services in the community. Where possible, Health New Zealand's Counties Manukau aims to have a doctor from this team based in the ED; however, they are utilised wherever there is clinical need. Patients are prioritised according to clinical need and staff respond as indicated. At times, patients may need to wait while more urgent cases are seen. This is common practice in all emergency services. I am further advised that patients are well supported by a wider multi-disciplinary team within the ED and by other mental health clinicians such as nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, or allied health staff. Health NZ continues to focus on recruitment to address staffing gaps across specialties.