The Ministry of Health has published the 2022-23 Mental Health and Addiction Services Regulatory Report.
The report presents data about the use of compulsory assessment and treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand under the Mental Health Act 1992, the Intellectual Disability Act 2003, and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
As the steward of the health system, the Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora plays an important role as the lead health advisor to the Government and administering New Zealand mental health laws. We monitor these services to assure ourselves and the public that people receiving compulsory assessment and treatment are receiving quality care.
We continue to see a high demand for services and increasing pressure on our workforce. Despite this, the mental health, intellectual disability, and addiction workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand continue to demonstrate their passion and care for people during times of significant vulnerability.
This report shows use of compulsory assessment and treatment remains steady with previous years, in line with population and service use increases. We continue to see a decrease in the number of people who have been secluded, alongside a decrease in the total hours spent in seclusion.
While it is positive to see overall seclusion rates decreasing, we are seeing growing inequities for Māori. Sustained focus and efforts are needed to continue to improve the experiences of tāngata whaiora (people seeking health) and tāngata whaikaha (people with disabilities).
We are committed to working with Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) and Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission on the reduction and elimination of seclusion, in line with their Zero Seclusion: Safety and dignity for allnorth_east project. To support these efforts, the Ministry published the Guidelines for reducing and eliminating seclusion and restraint under the Mental Health Act in April 2023.
The Ministry will continue to be involved in repealing and replacing the current Mental Health Act, and we are looking forward to supporting legislation that promotes a recovery and wellbeing approach to care. Updates on this work are provided on the Ministry's website: Repealing and replacing the Mental Health Act | Ministry of Health NZ.
