The parents of a former Waikato DHB mental health patient are “very upset, but not surprised” about today’s Hamilton Police decision not to charge the DHB, or any of its responsible staff members, over the death of their son, Nicky Stevens.
Nicky Stevens was a ‘compulsory order’ patient in the DHB’s Henry Bennett Centre facility when he was allowed out on unsupervised leave five times on the morning of 9th March 2015, and eventually disappeared, with his body being found in Waikato River three days later.
In the week before his disappearance and death, Nicky’s parents had strongly urged DHB clinicians and management not to allow Nicky unsupervised leave, due to at least two documented suicide attempts during that period.
Their warnings about the risk to Nicky’s safety and wellbeing were given in writing and in person, but were ignored by the DHB.
Following his disappearance, Police took over two days to start a search for Nicky; the delays being the subject of strong adverse findings recently by the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
Nicky’s father Dave Macpherson said “we understand it can be difficult for a public organisation like the DHB, or its clinical staff, to ever admit to mistakes – and for the Police to be reluctant to prosecute them, but we believe there is a large amount of evidence that would prove beyond a shadow of doubt that the Waikato DHB, and DHB clinical and management staff are guilty of a high lack of care for our son, who was under their compulsory care.”
“Someone or some organisation has to be accountable for a death that they were warned about the risk of, and had ample opportunity to prevent.”
“If they won’t charge the individuals, then Police should be looking at those who run the place,” he said.
Nicky’s mother Jane Stevens said she was “apalled at the Police decision, and angry that no-one is being held to account.”
“Our family has been waiting nearly 15 months for this non-decision, and even longer for the useless DHB to start its own review into what happened.”
“It is clear that families are being made to bear the brunt of a failing mental health system – in Nicky’s case, and in many, many other cases brought to our attention.”
“We won’t be resting until we see justice done for our son.”
Sincere sympathies to Nicky’s familiy.
Another much loved son died in care…
http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/opinion/75343782/Twice-the-anguish-for-family-of-Nathan-Booker-let-down-by-carers-and-police
(And links to numerous articles about this tragic incident)
The provider was eventually prosecuted and fined, the individual caregiver who actually walked out and left Nathan to drown avoided court as the Police had botched the initial inquiry.
Respect for your persistence in seeking justice for Nicky.
These quacks that administer brain controlling toxins should be feed them selves double strength for a month before giving anyone else them, the Murderers!!!!!!
The DHB’s are being forced to live on crumbs financially speaking while the politicians that set the budget have a system that always increases their income. The health workers I meet are doing their best with what they are given so blaming them for tragic results is not helping anyone solve the real problems.
What do you know about this particular case ‘Quick’Thinking? Not much, by the look of it!
It’s all very well to spout political jargon – and it’s true in general, but it has little if anything to do with the cause of our son’s death.
When health so-called ‘professionals’ ignore specific warnings about what would happen if they continued their so called ‘treatment plan’ – and what was feared happened, are you suggesting they shouldn’t be held accountable?
Ugh. I’m sick of our healthcare professionals getting away with sloppy standards of care without any consequence.
Hope the buggers get landed with a civil case. Not the DHB, the clinicians personally. Traumatic for the parents but it’s the only way to hold people to account.
Yet another police whitewash…the police shoot and kill…plant evidence…take years to release reports…and never seem to charge their own…Oh to be a policeman.
Good luck with your fight you’ll need it.
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