This article deals with mental health problems, including suicide.
The inquest into the suspected suicide of a Palmerston North Hospital mental health ward patient more than eight years ago is starting today.
Shaun Gray, a 30-year-old father of one, died on 16 April 2014.
The two-week inquest is being held in Palmerston North. It's expected 24 witnesses will appear.
Gray's death, and that of another mental health ward patient, 21-year-old Erica Hume, on 16 May 2014, prompted external reviews into the ward, which found systemic problems.
Since then there have been further deaths of patients.
An inquest into Hume's death is scheduled for August.
Today's inquest is before Coroner Matthew Bates, the third coroner to oversee the file.
Shaun Gray's family have said the delay into hearing the case is unacceptable.
And earlier this month family spokesman, Shaun's brother Ricky Gray, told RNZ they wouldn't play an active role by asking questions in the inquest because they weren't able to examine a key witness.
"With Coroner Bates' decision to exclude the most fundamental witness, this is a practice we don't want to condone."
The family, who have concerns about the medication prescribed to Gray, still planned to follow the inquest and see what conclusions the coroner reached.
A $35 million replacement mental health ward was due to open later this year, but documents obtained by RNZ show this has been pushed out by at least a year.
Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier recently released a report into the present ward, saying it was one of the worst in New Zealand.
RNZ
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- 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)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584