Whanganui DHB appoints new clinical director of mental health

New clinical director for mental health and addictions, Dr Gordon Lehany. Photo/ Stuart Munro

The Whanganui District Health Board is welcoming a new clinical director of mental health and addiction service development.

In July 2015 Dr Frank Rawlinson stepped down from the role to take on chief medical officer and since then the board has been looking for someone to fill the position.

Dr Gordon Lehany officially took on the role on June 20.

The clinician, specialising in forensics and general psychiatry, will work alongside associate director of nursing in mental health service Jeff Hammond and Te Awhina clinical nurse manager Katheryn Butters.

"Together we will oversee all mental health services in the Whanganui district," Dr Lehany said.

Born in Northern England, Dr Lehany moved to New Zealand five years ago with his family.

Prior to taking on the new role, Dr Lehany worked for Capital and Coast District Health Board forensic services.

He said he had thought about applying for the role earlier but wanted to gain more experience first.

"I have been involved in changes that have occurred at Stanford House, particularly the interface with the wider forensic network, and I will continue to work with them two days a week."

Dr Lehany has also taken on chair of strategic planning which includes management of the Rising to the Challenge initiative.

The initiative was created in March 2014, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to develop Whanganui's mental health and addiction services over five years.

Three years later the board is revisiting the resource.

Dr Lehany said they have contacted stakeholders, which includes all mental health services in Whanganui and patients and family members, to find out what they think should be the next step.

Whanganui's new clinical director of mental health and addiction said the priority was working to integrate services better with primary care.

"It is a really good document but we need to distil ideas and put the priorities into action."