MSD reviewing helplines

A coroner has recommended that the Government carry out a review of the country's 108 helplines. This follows the suicide of a Hastings woman after two calls to helplines went unanswered.

A Ministry of Social Development representative told the coroner's inquiry that officials were preparing a review plan which they had been due to present to Minister Paula Bennett by the end of June. It recommended the Government consolidate the country's helplines.

The coroner recommended that the review should include a reduction in the number of helplines, and the establishment of a 24/7 triage call centre to sort callers by priority and the type of assistance or advice needed before connecting them to the appropriate service.

Media:

108 helplines is too many, Stuff, 16.07.2014

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