50401 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health

50401 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Mental Health: Does he agree with New Zealand Ambulance Association chairman Mark Quin, that ambulance staff were now being asked to respond to mental health call-outs due to police pulling back on their involvement. and it was difficult because ambulance staff did not have the same restraint powers or stab-proof vests as police; if so, what, if anything, will he do to address this?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that ambulance staff have responded to mental health incidents for many years. They have been experiencing an increased number of mental health call outs; however, this is a known trend and there is no evidence it is a consequence of Police disengagement. I am further advised that Health New Zealand has work underway to understand the scale of impacts, the operational changes required from the health system, and assessing potential gaps jointly with Police so that changes can be implemented safely. This work includes: • A Health Working Group has been set up with frontline staff involvement to work through the changes. • Workforce planning is underway to identify potential additional health staff requirements. • A process for jointly working with Police to clarify agree thresholds for Police response is being established.