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Allegations
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The government will
establish a forum for former psychiatric patients who claim to have suffered
abuse while in hospital, Attorney-General Margaret Wilson announced today. The Confidential Forum
for Former In-Patients of Psychiatric Hospitals will invite former patients,
their families and hospital staff members to tell the stories of their
experiences in psychiatric institutions. "The forum is
designed to give former patients a chance to talk about their experiences in a
non-critical and confidential environment," Margaret Wilson said. "It will refer
people to appropriate existing agencies - such as ACC, the Health and
Disability Commissioner or Police - where necessary. Professional counseling
will also be made available. "When complete,
those who sit on the forum will report back to the government." Margaret Wilson said
those seeking to establish liability or claim compensation will be required
to follow the court process. "A court is the
best place to do this given the historic nature of claims, the issues of
credibility and the size of compensation sought. Furthermore, an initial
investigation of the claims indicated some alleged abusers deny the
allegations. It is a matter of natural justice to allow them to defend their
reputations." The forum will be open
to those who were inpatients in psychiatric hospitals before 1992. Those
hospitalised after 1992 have greater access to complaints mechanisms under
the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act passed that year.
Family members of former patients and staff from psychiatric hospitals will
also be able to participate. The Department of
Internal Affairs will administer the forum, in consultation with the Ministry
of Health. Ombudsman and former District Court judge Anand Satyanand will
chair the forum. Two other panel members
will be appointed after consultation with mental health consumer
representatives. Forum participants will
have their stories heard by the forum of up to three members. The forum is expected
to commence early next year. Those wanting to participate should call the
Department of Internal Affairs on 0800 225590. |
