Confidential Forum
for Former In-Patients of Psychiatric Hospitals
A Confidential Forum for people who were in-patients of psychiatric hospitals in New Zealand before November 1992 was set up by the Government. The Forum was also open to family members and staff of that era. The Forum members were former Ombudsman and Judge Anand Satyanand, who chairs the Forum; former Mental Health Commission chair Jan Dowland; and former Otago DHB consumer advisor and educator Anne Helm.
The primary purpose of the Forum was to listen and gather accounts from those eligible to attend in a non confrontational, confidential environment. A further purpose was to assist participants who are former patients to access services and agencies, including counselling. The Forum was not set up to make findings of fact or order compensation.
The forums commenced in July 2005 and were held throughout New Zealand between July 2005 and April 2007. 493 people participated, including many members of Patients' Rights Advocacy.
Sexual abuse, violence and punishments using electroconvulsive therapy and medications were common occurrences for people in psychiatric or psychopaedic care in New Zealand in the 1940s to the early 1990s, the report of the Confidential Forum for Former In-Patients of Psychiatric Hospitals has revealed.
Access the Confidential Forum report online at http://www.confidentialforum.govt.nz
The report can also be requested in hard copy from the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon Rick Barker, Parliament House, Wellington.
Anne Helm, the only 'Consumer' member of the panel showed great strength and courage in her role. Read her comments on the confidential forum:
http://www.balance.org.nz/content/view/254/1/
The Mental Health Commission welcomed the report, and promised to ensure that it would be used as a catalyst for positive change for former patients and their families.
Political reaction to the report was mixed, varying from welcoming the report, to outrage and sadness at the experiences of former patients.
Press Release - the New Zealand government
Hon Dr Michael Cullen welcomes report
Former patients deserve an apology and compensation - Green Party Spokesperson
Profound Sadness expressed by the Maori Party
The New Zealand government has shown integrity in fronting up to the abuses of the past by allowing patients in psychiatric hospitals before 1992 a voice. Now that their voices have been heard, what is going to be done to address the abuse that has taken place? We will be watching with interest to see what action will be taken now that this information has been gathered.