A recent survey conducted by the Nurses Organisation has uncovered concerning statistics regarding the safety of mental health nurses in New Zealand. The survey, which polled 400 nurses in 2023, found that a staggering 76% of mental health nurses reported being threatened, with over 40% having experienced assault within a single year.
One nurse recounted an incident where seven staff members required treatment at the emergency department, some sustaining serious injuries, after being attacked by a patient. Grant Brookes, a Wellington-based mental health nurse and delegate, highlighted the prevalent burnout among nurses and the inclination of many to consider leaving the profession due to safety concerns.
Brookes emphasized the pervasive fear for safety among mental health nurses, citing violence and aggression as increasingly common occurrences in healthcare settings across Aotearoa. He attributed much of the violence to factors such as intoxication, withdrawal, or drug-induced psychosis from substances like methamphetamine. Additionally, inadequate facilities in hospitals, coupled with the amalgamation of patients with diverse needs, pose significant safety risks.
Moreover, Brookes lamented the lack of sufficient community care, resulting in patients not receiving the necessary support outside hospital settings. Paul Goulter, the chief executive of NZNO, expressed disappointment over the insufficient funding allocated to the health sector in Budget 2024, noting the absence of meaningful investment to address mental health and addiction issues.
Goulter stressed that no nurse should have to anticipate a high likelihood of assault when coming to work. The findings of the survey underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and increased support for mental health nurses in New Zealand.
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