Police have cordoned off Bottle-o and Vodafone, Walters Rd Takanini following overnight burglaries. Video / Hayden Woodward
The Auckland man who was missing for more than three weeks after being discharged from a mental health facility has been found and is now in hospital.
His sister Tracey told the NZ Herald she is ecstatic and relieved by her brother's return, but confirmed she would be laying a complaint with the mental health facility that reportedly discharged him without informing his family.
Jamie Way, 53, was found by police this morning in the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa, where it was believed he stayed since he went missing on April 26.
Jamie had been experiencing significant mental distress, including having suicidal thoughts, when he asked his sister to admit him to a mental health facility on April 15.
On April 18, Tracey took her brother to a facility in South Auckland.
She spoke to Jamie a couple of times while he was under supervision and he continued to exhibit signs of mental distress.
She called the facility again on April 28 and discovered he had reportedly been discharged and released on Eugenia Rise in Totara Heights near Manukau two days earlier.
Jamie Way, seen here in a picture from his missing flyer, was found by police this morning. Photo / Supplied
After speaking with the mental health facility staff member who dropped him off, Tracey said Jamie reportedly told the staffer he didn't want to be driven home or to a friend's house to prevent them from learning the addresses.
From then, it was believed Jamie went to the gardens, which were only a short walk from Eugenia Rise.
His disappearance prompted a call from Counties Manukau police for information on his whereabouts.
Tracey said Jamie had suffered an injury to a foot. He was currently in Middlemore Hospital, possibly awaiting surgery.
Jamie was reportedly quite malnourished and was still in a state of mental distress, but otherwise healthy.
Tracey said she and her family were unbelievably relieved when a representative from Manurewa police informed her Jamie had been found after 22 days missing.
"I just burst into tears," she said.
"Words can't express how happy and thankful I am that I have him back."
Jamie Way's family is relieved at his return. Photo / Supplied
She expressed her sincere gratitude to the police officers who located him.
However, after speaking with Jamie, Tracey confirmed she would lay a complaint against the facility that managed his care.
On Monday, Tracey was very critical of the facility's decision to release her brother on the street without contacting his family, particularly given his mental state at the time.
It was understood Jamie was moved across different mental health facilities during the week after being admitted.
On Monday, the Herald was referred to the Counties Manukau District Health Board when a journalist contacted a facility where Jamie was reportedly assessed.
Counties Manukau mental health and addiction services general manager Charles Tutagalevao was "very pleased" to hear Jamie had been found and recognised the stressful situation he and his whānau were in.
"We welcome any feedback from Jamie or his whānau and hope to work in partnership in supporting his wellbeing."
Where to get help: • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) • Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 (available 24/7) • Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) • Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (12pm to 11pm) • Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) • Anxiety helpline: 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY) (available 24/7) • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
