Waitamatā DHB's acting head of mental health services Kevin Cleary says such tragic events shouldn't happen. Photo / File
Waitamatā DHB's acting head of mental health services Kevin Cleary says such tragic events shouldn't happen. Photo / File
An independent review of Auckland's He Puna Waiora mental health inpatient unit will be carried out after the deaths of two patients this week.
Acting director of Waitematā DHB's Mental Health Services Kevin Cleary said the DHB extended its deepest sympathies to the families of the patients.
"These families haveentrusted their loved ones to our care and it is important that they have answers about any factors contributing to their deaths," Cleary said.
"We believe tragic events like this should never happen in an inpatient unit and we have quickly moved to commission this external review," he said in a statement.
The review would focus on how He Puna Waiora was functioning clinically, its governance and any issues relating to the facility itself.
"Maintaining a high level of public confidence in our care and in our facilities is crucial. We believe this review will identify any factors so we can minimise risks for patients in the future," Cleary said.
The DHB had contacted the families of both patients to advise them of the review.
Health Minister David Clark extended his heartfelt sympathies to both families.
"It is important that tragedies such as these are thoroughly investigated. I welcome the DHB's decision to launch an independent expert review. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage."
