New Zealand nurses call for an immediate halt to police withdrawals from mental health callouts

According to a press release from the New Zealand nurses organisation, police withdrawal from mental health callouts should be stopped until Te Whatu Ora makes critical resources available. 

The first phase — which started on November 4 — was more foundational. Agencies like the police, Te Whatu Ora, and ambulance staff trained together to improve their understanding of the Mental Health Act, learn new procedures around mental health callouts, and strengthen their information-sharing systems.

Having already been pushed back twice, the second phase of the plan will be more operational with two main changes. The first is the implementation of a 60-minute handover period. Police will now only have to stay with anyone detained for a maximum of 60 minutes. 

Second, police will not be able to conduct mental assessments in custody suites. People placed under the Act will now have to be moved to a suitable mental health facility within 30 minutes. 

Both of these changes only apply to people detained under the Mental Health Act.

Assistant police commissioner Mike Johnson says the safety of police, healthcare staff and those in our community impacted by these changes is a priority. He insists police will always respond when there is an offence or an immediate risk to life or safety, and he stresses this will never change.

The programme is set to be staged, starting in two South Island districts and three North Island districts from April 14. It will be rolled out for the rest of New Zealand at a later date.

The withdrawals will come as the new mental health change programme enters its second phase. The joint agency initiative, implemented by Health NZ and NZ Police, aims to protect the well-being of mental health patients. 

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says he wants to do what's best for those suffering from mental distress and feels this approach will provide people with appropriate support.