24 September 2024

Dear Te Whatu Ora Waikato | Health New Zealand, Waikato

Mental Health & Addictions Services | Waikato

Dear Sir or Madam
Official information request:
Requesting correspondence related to inception, development, consultation process, related surveys and feedback related to new uniform policy/memo specific to MH&A services in the Waikato area - both inpatient and community.

[information requested related to Inpatient and Community Adult Mental Health & Addictions Services (MH&A) (Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre; OPR1; & Community Services), Puawai Regional Forensic Services (in-patient and community) and related specialist mental Health services based in Waikato region (formally considered WDHB).]

Please supply the following information under the Official Information Act (OIA) and/or Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA)]:

1. Related correspondence and consultation process (not limited to copies of agendas, minutes, emails, teams-conversation and associated communications) related to the inception, development, and evaluation of the newly implemented uniform policy for Waikato MH&A mental health assistants and nurses working in the Waikato region (both inpatient and community).

2. Information outlining the initial cause of action, or concern, that prompted the need to develop and implement a new uniform policy within Waikato MH&A services (mentioned above) at a time when health services are trying to conserve costs.

3. Any information including staff or union feedback related to the new uniform policy (such as related surveys/feedback).

4. Total cost of developing and implementing a new uniform policy for MH&A staff. 
Including a breakdown of:
-  cost per uniform item,
- cost of new uniform per FTE
- total staff affected, 
- expected future financial costs related to (but not limited to) wear and tear; staff turnover; damaged clothing; ordering errors; maternity clothing, etc

5. Information identifying the decision-making process and rationale for bringing in a new uniform policy/memo for MH&A nurses and MHAs.

6. Information related to risk assessment for staff H&S and impact on patient H&S, health outcomes, and patient privacy.
Including information such as, but not limited to,
Any datix’s related to risks/hazards or potential risks/hazards resulting from standard issues nursing and/or MHA uniform’s while working in the Waikato MH&A services.
Any datix’s related to risks/hazards or potential risks/hazards resulting from MHAs and/or nurses staff wearing civilian clothing while working in Waikato MH&A services.
any patient or staff complaints related to the new uniform policy

7. Any information that provides this policy has a positive impact on the MH&S and patients accessing these services.

If you need more information from me please let me know as soon as possible.

I understand that a decision on a request for information under the [OIA/LGOIMA] should bemade within 20 working days of receiving that request.
If you do not normally deal with official information requests, or you need advice on dealing
with this request, guidance is available from the Ombudsman at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.

Yours faithfully,

Grace. R.