5 Nov 2008

Mother calls for review of mental health services

7:10 pm on 5 November 2008

A mother whose son died while being treated for schizophrenia is petitioning Parliament for a review of mental health services.

Sally Fisher has gathered almost 1300 signatures asking for an inquiry into procedures and safety of all patients being cared for by mental health services.

Her son, Shane Fisher, 26, was under the care of the Auckland District Health Board's mental health unit, when he died in his family home in 2006.

Ms Fisher says those suffering from mental illness need to be better supported.

She says the Buchanan Centre, the only rehabilitation centre in Auckland, which houses 40 people, is under-utilised, under-resourced and under-funded.

Ms Fisher says the petition has been given to the National Party MP Sandra Goudie, who will submit it when Parliament opens.