Due to increasing staff shortages the West Coast District Health Board is to reduce the numbers of beds available in the Manaakitanga Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Grey Base Hospital from nine to five from 20th July 2009.
"A current shortage of 6.8 full time equivalent nursing staff means that a reduction in bed numbers is required to ensure that the ward is staffed at a safe level. This will result in an increase in the threshold for admission to hospital and may possibly require some patients being transferred to other hospitals for admission" said General Manager Mental Health Hecta Williams.
Increased support for patients who otherwise may have been admitted will be provided in the community and community mental health staff will continue to provide their usual high standard of care to clients.
The service is investigating a number of initiatives to assist in managing the changes. This will include a review of crisis plans, ensuring that they outline specific steps for consumers, family members and crisis workers to follow if a crisis develops.
Letters are being sent to all service users who have used the unit in recent times to inform them of the changes and what is being put in place.
"We are continuing to actively recruit for qualified staff. The West Coast District Health Board recognizes that having to reduce the number of beds available in Manaakitanga IPU will create some additional stress to some patients, and may result in waiting times for community assessments, however the steps taken are necessary to ensure that a safe level of services can be maintained."
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: