A sign of better things to come

There was welcome news on the health front yesterday with the Government agreeing to a major upgrade of a Wanganui mental health facility.

As reported today, Te Awhina is set to undergo an upgrade, starting in January.

The acute in-patient unit has been subjected to harsh criticism over a raft of failings so this development has to be seen as a sign of better things to come.

Earlier this year a report indicated that significant improvement had been made at the service, which had been lambasted for medication errors, claims of assaults and patients' whereabouts not being known.

Dr David Chaplow, director of mental health with the Ministry of Health, indicated in January that improvements in the previous five months had shown a marked change.

Staff morale had improved and yesterday's announcement will certainly add to that positive vibe that this is an organisation for which the dark days are in the past.

Allowing for improved facilities will further enhance the good work being done by the health board in respect of ensuring the best systems are in place for our most vulnerable.

While it is the care and attention received that will make the greater difference, the environment plays a large part in that, so improved conditions will aid treatment and improve working conditions for staff.

Many will, no doubt, say that this is a long-overdue investment in Wanganui's mental health care and doesn't go anywhere near far enough to ensure all people who need care get what is best for them. They might also suggest the timing is a little off and represents little more than a softener before the election to a region hit hard by job losses in government departments such as NZTA and DoC.

The appearance of high-profile, high-level government minister Tony Ryall will only serve to feed that suggestion. But, rather than looking a gift horse in the mouth, as the saying goes, we should all be at least grateful that in these times of fiscal austerity, we have at least been afforded this funding.

If it helps shore up a once-ailing service to the betterment of our community, then that is surely a good thing.

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