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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions
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Dominion
May 10, 2002
Lake Alice abuse victims given deadline for claims
The Government has given former Lake Alice psychiatric
hospital patients who believe they were mistreated by staff a two-month
deadline in which to apply for compensation.
Prime Minister Helen Clark and Health Minister
Annette King announced yesterday that former patients had till June 30 to apply
for a cash award under a Government-funded scheme.
Last year a group of 95 former patients, who were
tortured and sexually abused by staff at the hospital's child and adolescent
unit between 1972 and 1978, received a $6.5 million settlement and an apology
from the Government.
Miss Clark said the Government had appointed David
Collins to act for other former patients who might have grievances but did not
want to take part in potentially painful and costly legal proceedings.
Dr Collins, a medico-legal specialist, would analyse,
process and act without charge for all applicants for cash awards.
At the same time, the Government appointed Sir Rodney
Gallen, who allocated the individual awards for the first group of claimants,
to fulfil a similar role in the new process.
A further 60 former patients had come forward since
Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia first advised of the availability of
the confidential resolution process in October 2001. It was not known how many
more were expected to come forward over the next two months.
Miss Clark said the appointment of Dr Collins would
ensure that applicants received a high standard of representation.
"The Government wants to resolve the grievances
of all those who were at the
"The process is intended to avoid the pitfalls
associated with litigation, such as delays and disputes over fees. It will also
ensure that there will not be unnecessary legal costs coming out of publicly
funded awards," she said.
Those wishing to take part in the process should
contact: The Lake Alice Claims Coordinator, Ministry of Health,