Clinician who took his own life reportedly exhausted from work
A WorkSafe New Zealand investigation has revealed a "poor workplace culture" at the organisation where an addiction services clinician took his own life in August 2020, according to reports.
Stuff reported this week the findings of WorkSafe NZ on the culture at Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (NMDHB) prompted by the passing of addition services clinician Andrew Walker.
The findings were sourced from 11 staff members at the Alcohol and Drug Service, who told a WorkSafe inspector about the "inappropriate behaviours," including bullying in the workplace, Stuff reported.
The manager at that time was also the subject of accusations from employees, who said played favourites resulting to high caseloads and inconsistent work allocation, Stuff reported.
The manager also reportedly talked negatively to staff, according to the employees, who reported that there was a "culture of fear and intimidation by the manager" at the workplace.
Employer's actions during investigation
WorkSafe found that the accused was replaced with an interim manager while an ongoing external investigation was launched by the NMDHB, the New Zealand Herald reported.
The external probe, which was led by a psychologist, said the manager's behaviour had a "significant negative impact on the mental health of most of the [addiction] service staff," Stuff reported.
The psychologist also made several recommendations, with WorkSafe said the DHB responded to and made good progress on.
Lexie O'Shea, Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough group director of operations, also told Stuff that their organisation has made internal changes following the WorkSafe investigation, while expressing their commitment to a bullying-free workplace.
Events leading up to clinician’s suicide
WorkSafe was initially notified of the bullying situation at the Addiction Service less than three weeks after the death of Walker.
The WorkSafe investigation also outlined the events leading to Walker's death - who started out as a youth clinician at the DHB's addiction service.
He was later transferred to the Addiction Service, with his partner saying that Walker faced a heavy workload there, citing his manager's "style and initiatives."
By June 2020, Walker was already suffering from dizzy spells, and was exhausted, which he attributed to his work.
Coroner Sue Johnson, citing clinical notes of Walker's doctor consultation, also concluded in the report that work was a major factor for his depression and a major stressor.
On the day before his death, Walker and his partner attended a meeting with his manager, which the clinician said was not beneficial for his health.
After the meeting, he told his partner that he would no longer return to work, before taking his life the following day, according to the reports.
The coroner's report said Walker's death was self-inflicted, accepting the police findings that there was no criminal liability surrounding his passing, the New Zealand Herald reported.
Anyone who wishes to access support or counselling in relation to suicide and loss can reach out to one of the following resources:
- Free call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
