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Allegations of Abuse
in Institutions |
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Hundreds of former mental health
patients are suing the Governhment for millions of dollars over their
treatment in The first hearings will begin in
October. But Roger Chapman, a lawyer
representing the 230-strong group, believes the former patients should not
have to go through the court system. "It's horrifying that these
people have to go to court and go through it again," he said. Chapman proposed an alternative forum
in 2004 for hearing complaints and awarding compensation, but this was
rejected by the Government. However, in response to a damning
report detailing abuse endured by former mental health patients, the
Government said it was seeking a robust alternative to the adversarial court
system to address complaints. Health Minister Pete Hodgson said
litigation through the courts would be costly for the Crown and litigants. "It's heartening that Pete
Hodgson is at last considering the possibility of dealing with this,"
said Chapman. "I just hope he doesn't take very long about it."
Hodgson says a decision is not likely until October. Chapman was wary of suggestions
the Government could offer compensation and a formal apology. "We've been there before and
found it was a blind alley. I'm not discounting it, but I'm not getting
excited about it." Chapman said the sums sought by
each of the 230 complainants varied greatly. "Some are quite small amounts
and others are quite substantial." Compensation was important for
some because they had had their lives wrecked. There were still several other
claims being considered and he believed there were some intellectually
disabled people who suffered in the institutions who had not come forward. The report from the confidential
forum for former patients details experiences of 493 people held in
institutions from Chapman said former staff members had
confirmed what the patients had been saying. Among his clients is a former
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