The Ministry of Health says Canterbury–Waitaha’s adult inpatient and associated mental health services are making visible progress on reforms ordered after a Section 99 inspection, but warns recruitment barriers still need to be addressed.

Director of Mental Health Dr John Crawshaw completed his second monitoring visit in February, part of a 12‑month programme put in place after the inspection report was released in August 2025. That report set out 18 recommendations across governance, care and resourcing, with quarterly visits to track progress.

“Visible progress has been made since the report was published and it is clear that the leadership team is committed to implementing all 18 report recommendations,” Dr Crawshaw said. “Staff across the service continue to work to make improvements and deliver mental health services to the region.”

He highlighted growth in the Lived Experience workforce and strengthened partnerships with Māori, including a steering group with mana whenua representatives. At the same time, he said “significant work” remains over the coming months, singling out the need to remove recruitment barriers.

The Ministry said it is working with Health New Zealand to support Canterbury as it moves through the recommendations. Further monitoring visits are scheduled for May and August 2026.

The update did not include detail on current vacancy rates, wait times or bed capacity, or what specific recruitment obstacles are being encountered.