The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry State Redress hearing resumes today in Auckland.

Commissioners will hear from two witnesses. Witness evidence summaries are outlined below.

The hearing is being live-streamed at: https://www.abuseincare.org.nz/public-hearings/about/redress-hearing/

The State Redress hearing is open to media but closed to the public because of Covid social distancing restrictions.

Hearing location: Level 2, 414 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023.

22 September

10.00am (approx.):

Keith Wiffin (continued)

Keith Wiffin will continue to give evidence of his experience in making a claim against the Ministry of Social Development in relation to abuse he suffered while at Epuni Boys’ Home and in family homes. He will discuss how the process of making a claim and the response from MSD affected him and make recommendations as to how claims processes could be improved.

10.45am (approx.):

Joan Bellingham

Joan will give evidence on her experience as a trainee nurse at Burwood Hospital, and then as a patient at Princess Margaret Hospital periodically from 1970 until 1982. Joan will discuss receiving electroconvulsive therapy, the results of which (electrode burns) being the grounds for her ACC claim. Joan will discuss the difficulties she experienced in seeking redress through the courts, the Crown Health Financing Agency claims process and accessing rehabilitation through ACC.

 

Media enquiries: 027 298 2094; media@abuseincare.org.nz