[Lake Alice report]

Rights Information
Year
1983
Reference
329009
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1983
Reference
329009
Media type
Audio
Duration
00:30:34
Credits
RNZ Collection
Oomen, Monique, Reporter
2ZA (Radio station : Palmerston North, N.Z.), Broadcaster

Monique Oomen presents a special report on Palmerston North radio station 2ZA on the maximum security unit at Lake Alice Hospital. [There are short breaks in the audio for commercial inserts]

Superintendant Dr Sydney Pugmire is interviewed about the Maximum Security Villa (MSV) at Lake Alice. 2ZA was contacted by a former MSV patient Brian Johnson, who is interviewed about his concerns and calls for an inquiry into the unit.

Dr Pugmire talks about the experienced staff at Lake Alice and the therapy and training opportunities for patients. Brian Johnson talks about the conditions he experienced and the continual underlying tension.

Brian Johnson talks about spending time at Lake Alice with convicted child molestor Ian Donaldson who was later involved in a car bombing incident in Wellington. He alleges nurses use excess violence on patients and have sexually assaulted them. Dr Pugmire denies this.

Further allegations by Brian Johnson about patient's mail being censored and their visitors restricted, to which Dr Pugmire responds.

Monique Oomen toured MSV and interviewed current patients. Comments about the conditions there are made by various unidentified men about whether they are treated fairly. One man says it is much better than it used to be but others allege they receive no treatment.

Unidentified nurses are interviewed about their work. One man refers to a riot the previous year.

Brian Johnson talks about his experiences since leaving Lake Alice - he has to follow some restrictions, such as not going to hotels. He says he would like a job but doubts he will find one.