OPINION: Anyone who has dealt with New Zealand’s sprawling public mental health system knows that it is far from perfect. But even knowing all that, the report released on Monday from the Ombudsman on mental health units makes for shocking reading. Peter Boshier found that two mental health inpatient units were in breach of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. In the years since, the demand for mental health services has increased markedly, as has the population, but the ring-fenced requirement remains at three per cent. Getting at mental health issues before they become severe is both cheaper and probably a better solution for many.

Source: Stuff August 25, 2020 20:52 UTC