Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
The Ministry of Health has released the Terms of Reference for a major independent inquiry into the care and rehabilitation of vulnerable care recipients at Ward 10A, the forensic intellectual disability unit at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin.
The inquiry, commissioned under section 101 of the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003, follows serious concerns raised about the treatment and wellbeing of people in compulsory care at the unit.
Director-General of Health Audrey Sonerson ordered the inquiry after warnings from the Chief Ombudsman, district inspectors and other oversight bodies. Director of Mental Health Dr John Crawshaw says the concerns were significant enough to require a full, independent investigation.
The inquiry will be led by Auckland District Inspector Andrew Molloy, supported by consultant clinical psychologist Nigel Fairley. Their task is to examine the care provided at Ward 10A between June 2024 and June 2026 — a two‑year period during which multiple issues were flagged.
Dr Crawshaw says the inquiry will assess whether care met legal and clinical standards, whether restrictions placed on care recipients were justified, and whether their rights were upheld. It will also consider whether wider systemic issues exist within the unit or across similar facilities nationwide.
The investigators may recommend improvements to oversight, compliance and clinical practice, both for Ward 10A and for other forensic intellectual disability services.
The inquiry is expected to begin as soon as practicable, with findings delivered to the Director-General of Health within six months of commencement.
Ward 10A has long been a critical part of the South’s forensic intellectual disability network, and the inquiry signals a significant step toward ensuring vulnerable care recipients receive safe, lawful and dignified treatment.
The full Terms of Reference are available on the Ministry of Health website.
