Urgent call for government inquiry into Wellington 3DHBs Suicide Prevention and Postvention Service

Suicide Prevention worker Louise Hutchinson is calling for an urgent independent government inquiry into the Wellington Regions' 3DHB Suicide Prevention and Postvention Service.

In March 2016 the Capital and Coast District Health Board (on behalf of the Wairarapa, Hutt Valley and Capital and Coast District Health Boards) tendered the Wellington Regions' Suicide Prevention and Postvention service to Lifeline Aotearoa. The intent of this service is to prevent suicide and to reduce the impact of suicide on individuals, families/whanau and impacted communities.

In 2005-06 the Ministry of Health used the best available research, data and other information to prepare a national strategy for preventing suicide. The New Zealand Suicide Prevention Strategy 2006-16 provides a framework to guide national efforts during the period and help government agencies and others understand how various activities in different sectors fit together to prevent suicide.

DHBs led the plan's preparation and work with stakeholders. The Ministry of Health expects DHBs to focus on current risks, but also to preempt risk. DHBs are expected to work with government agencies and community groups to carry out plans.

Data confirms the increasing suicide rate in the Wellington region. Matters of concern the Government Inquiry urgently needs to investigate include;

• the implementation and delivery of the Wellington Regions' Suicide Prevention and Postvention Plan 2015 to the present. 
• suitability of Lifeline Aotearoa to effectively meet contractual requirements. 
• 3DHBs management of the Suicide Prevention and Postvention Service including oversight and accountability by the General Manager, 3DHB Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability Services. 
• the efficiency of the Service Innovation and Performance (SIP) for the overall governance and implementation of the 3DHBs Suicide Prevention and Postvention Plan. 
• the workplace culture including bullying within both the suicide prevention and postvention service. Research clearly indicates the association between bullying involvement - on both sides - and suicidal thoughts and behaviour's. 
• the efficiency and effectiveness of the 3DHB suicide prevention and postvention service governance structure. 
• the service's relationships with key stakeholders such as - Māori, Pasifika, LGBQTI, elderly, youth and tertiary education providers including Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University of Wellington, Otago University of Wellington, Whitireia New Zealand, Wellington Institute of Technology. 
• the performance of the suicide prevention and postvention service in regards to consumer complaints. 
• the effective use of resources and identify any waste.

Petition: https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/inquiry-into-wellington-regions-suicide-prevention-and-postvention-services