In findings released today the coroner has made recommendations that have been implemented following a review of mental health services. Booth’s death sparked calls from his father, Geoffrey Booth, for an inquest on the grounds his son should have received better care from the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) mental health and addiction services. By September 2017, things had further escalated as he regularly sought help from his father who called on mental health services for assistance. “I am satisfied the three recommendations have been adequately addressed by Health New Zealand Canterbury,” the coroner said. Coroner Hesketh acknowledged there had been improvements in specialist mental health services processes and procedures following the review.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2026 22:12 UTC