An increasing number of Kiwis are receiving quicker access to support, with both primary mental health and specialist services consistently exceeding targets throughout the year, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey said.
“We are also seeing positive progress across regions. Whanganui district went from 81.4% to nearly meeting the 95% target for 6-hour shorter mental health stays in emergency departments. Central region went from not meeting the specialist mental health support in 3 weeks target to now achieving it.”
According to Doocey, access to primary mental health support in the South Island, in one week, has also improved from 75% to now being well above target at 84.7%.
“Southern district went from being the worst-performing district at 66.4% to one of the best at 91%,” he said.
“I have always said I won’t be happy with just meeting the targets nationally. The value of being able to measure how well the twenty health districts are performing is being able to see where they may need extra support.
“Since the first mental health targets were introduced, I have met regularly with HNZ regional leaders to ensure plans are in place to lift areas of underperformance.”
“Today’s results back that we’re turning the corner on reducing wait times and increasing the mental health workforce, with the frontline Health NZ mental health workforce growing around 10% since we came into government.”
In an earlier report, Doocey officially opened Ngā Wai Ngāro, a newly launched acute mental health facility at Palmerston North Hospital.
The $66.6 million investment offers 28 modern patient bedrooms, therapy rooms, a gym, plenty of natural light, outdoor areas, and dedicated spaces for families.