To the Waikato DHB - call off your dogs.
I can't believe the lengths the district health board is going to, to make life hell for Dave MacPherson and his wife Jane Stevens.
It's a well-known case - son Nicky Stevens was in a Hamilton mental health unit. He walked out of the unit and took his life, committed suicide.
- Nicky Stevens' parents shocked by DHB's call for second coronial inquest
- Nicky Stevens' parents 'angry' DHB won't accept responsibility
- Suicide victim Nicky Stevens' family blasts Government's mental health targets
- Father's plea for change after coroner's ruling on Nicky Stevens' death
His parents had warned the doctors that this could happen and that he needed to be kept safe.
He wasn't. The coroner said Nicky's death was totally avoidable, and compensation had been talked about, but - strangely - the DHB pulled the plug on that and has ordered a new high level coronial review into Nicky's death.
His family is aghast. They want compensation to cover costs and move on. Life is hell and is not getting better.
Dave, Nicky's dad, wants to confront the DHB at its public meeting today, but the DHB said it's premature for them to speak. Hardly. The DHB has its head so far either in the sand or up its own backside, it looks seriously out of touch with humanity, with grief, with how much parents love their kids.
They lost their boy. Why make it so hard?
David Clark, the minister, needs to show this Government has made an impact and stop this approach now.
Is the Minister in charge, or is he impotent? Does this treatment meet Labour's new high standards of being "caring and compassionate"?
It's a state witch hunt of a family and Clark must intervene. If he's too wussy, stand aside and give it to someone who will do the right thing.
Duncan Garner is the host of The AM Show.
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
