27 Sep 2013

More than 130 suicides in DHB care

7:31 am on 27 September 2013

A new report has found 134 people died by suspected suicide while under the care of the country's district health boards over a one-year period.

The Health Quality and Safety Commission study found also found 17 cases of serious self-harm and 17 of serious adverse behaviour, meaning either death or major injury resulted.

The report covers the period from July 2012 to June 2013.

As well as suicide, the Mental Health Serious Adverse Events Report reveals the Waitemata District Health Board reported the highest number of serious incidents of harm to a person or others, with 27 cases. It was followed by the Canterbury District Health Board with 24 cases and Southland with 21.

Some 92% of those patients were outpatients using community services.

The report is the first of its kind to look specifically at incidents within the mental health services.

Waikato District Health Board director of clinical services Rees Tapsell says despite the best care, 10% of those who suffer from serious mental illness will commit suicide.

Associate Health Minister Todd McClay says the number of deaths is concerning, but the Government is putting significant resources into mental health.

He says funding for the sector overall has increased by $200 million in five years.

Michael Naera from suicide prevention programme Kia Piki Te Ora says the figures are alarming, and mental health clients must have follow up visits after they leave hospital.