Greg Davies, a delegate for the Public Service Association (PSA) and a mental health worker in Blenheim, recently participated in an RNZ interview to address concerns about the police’s plans to reduce their involvement in mental health emergencies.
Davies, who is part of the on-call Mental Health Crisis team, expressed his worries about the potential consequences of these changes. “If the police proceed with their mental health plans, I believe we will be overwhelmed,” he stated. He further noted that the alterations could jeopardize the safety of patients, their families, the public, and health professionals.
Alarmed by the proposed changes, Davies reached out to Ashok Shankar, the PSA’s National Sector Lead for Health, to inquire about the association’s response. Shankar encouraged him to share his concerns publicly on national radio. Despite feeling anxious about the interview, Davies found confidence in his role as a PSA delegate and informed his hospital management beforehand, receiving no objections.
The interview aired on September 16 as part of a 30-minute segment that also featured Police Commissioner Andrew Coster. With over 30 years of experience as a PSA delegate and 35 years in mental health nursing, Davies was well-equipped to discuss the implications of the police’s decisions. He has worked at Blenheim’s Wairau Hospital since 1993, initially starting with a 10-week secondment.
In his current role, Davies works Tuesday through Friday, assisting individuals with various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and severe depression. He is also part of the On-Call Mental Health Crisis team, providing emergency support during weekends and some nights.
The team responds to calls for assistance, evaluating individuals in crisis and, when necessary, coordinating safe transport to mental health units. This process can involve extensive travel, often requiring up to eight hours per patient to complete assessments and ensure proper admission.
Despite the demanding nature of the job, Davies finds fulfillment in collaborating with other professionals and building long-term relationships with clients. “Having a couple of good days with clients and seeing their progress makes it worthwhile,” he said. He also appreciates the positive feedback he receives, noting that supportive comments following his interview left him deeply moved.
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