The Government authority charged with overseeing the responsibilities of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board says it has faith the board is taking appropriate action after concerns were raised that Tauranga Hospital was using seclusion rooms as bedrooms.
The Office of the Ombudsman found the use of the seclusion rooms at the hospital's mental health unit Te Whare Maiangiangi amounted to potentially cruel and inhuman treatment of patients. Read more here.
According to an NZME report, it is one of four examples across the country where treatment of patients could be considered cruel and inhuman.
The first was the case of Ashley Peacock, who was held in prolonged isolation at a mental health unit in Porirua.
Ministry of Health senior media advisor Kevin McCarthy said it was aware of the recommendations arising from a 2014 inspection.