Selwyn_Times: February 14, 2024

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Selwyn Times Wednesday February 14 2024 20 NEWS Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Investigation into mental health worker’s paid sex with patient • By Anna Leask A SOUTH Island mental health worker is under investigation after a formal complaint from a patient claiming he paid her for sex soon after she was released from a secure unit. The patient also alleges she sought help from the man during a particularly rough time – but instead of helping her, he drove her to a secluded location and touched her intimately. Te Whatu Ora says it is “extremely concerned” about the complaint and has launched a full investigation into the man. Text messages provided to the NZ Herald reveal the man’s pursuit of the patient. It is understood the messages were sent from a Te Whatu Orafunded work phone. The Herald has agreed not to name the man or patient while the investigation is under way. The patient reached out to share her story soon after making the formal complaint. She said she wanted to expose the man, who she felt had taken advantage of her, and make sure he was properly investigated for his behaviour. Over the years the patient has struggled with bipolar and drug addiction. She is a sex worker – a job she is proud of and enjoys without any shame. “I genuinely love my job and my bookings and want to be a really good escort,” she said, adding that was a big motivation for seeking treatment. She said she met the mental health worker through a church in their hometown a few years ago. She spoke to him then about her occupation and her personal struggle with addiction. Last year she encountered him again when she was admitted to a mental health unit to help with COMPLAINT: The patient says she was struggling with addiction and bipolar when the mental health worker from a secure unit she was admitted to for five weeks paid her for sex. PHOTO: GETTY her bipolar, and a drug relapse. She said during her admission the man “took a genuine interest in helping me”. “We talked about my want to begin sex work again,” she said. “Five weeks later I was discharged on a Friday and began sex work on the Saturday. Then a week later I get a private number call and it was (the mental health worker) wanting a booking to have sex with me.” She agreed to the booking and the pair had sex. This happened again on a second occasion. The man told her he was watching explicit videos she had uploaded to an adult website. “He began calling me masturbating over the phone,” she said. “Our last booking was before Christmas and he said he’d sold one of his guitars to pay for me.” Last month the man sent the patient a text message to try and book a further appointment with her. She disclosed to him that she had been struggling with her mental health and addiction again and asked if she could speak with him. She felt that she had no one else to turn to and was comfortable with the worker as he knew about her history and had said he wanted to help with her issues. Text messages show the patient suggested the pair meet for a drink. “Not a booking, just a chat,” she wrote. “I’m working late tonight and don’t drink. I would have rather had a booking but only have $75 . . . I’ll just have to wait . . . maybe I just look up your (web)site for relief LOL,” he replied. He went on to say: “I can’t wait to see, smell, taste & feel you”. He agreed to meet her for “just a talk and coffee” and suggested coming to the patient’s home. She said her flatmate was home and he agreed to pick her up and take her somewhere. In her complaint she said the purpose of the meeting was “to hang out just as people as I wondered if I could talk to him because he’s aware of my past”. She said the worker picked her up from her home and drove her to a secluded location. She began to disclose her recent struggles and he said he “couldn’t help but take off his clinical hat” because he wanted to be intimate with her. She said he stopped her talking, and began to touch her intimately and telling her he wanted to have sex. “I said no because I wasn’t feeling well, I asked him to drop me off,” she said. She said he “prayed” for her before she left the vehicle. “I felt really sad that the one person I thought could help had made me feel cheap and stupid,” she said. “My mental health spiralled and I just lost my shit. “I couldn’t stop crying and felt so helpless I wanted to take my own life.” She said there had been a couple of times she had “desperately needed” to readmit herself to the mental health ward but she was too scared in case she saw the worker. “He said if he ever saw me in there he’d sneak into my room and f**k me,” she said in her complaint. The patient said she made the complaint after telling a friend about what had happened. It was only then she realised that the worker’s behaviour was inappropriate. “I realised he was wrong – I TEXT: The mental health worker (grey text) wanted a booking for sex when the woman asked to meet and talk about her struggles. PHOTO: NZ HERALD asked him for help and he turned around and that to me instead of giving me the mental health support that I wanted,” she said. The patient said she was angry at the man and wanted him held accountable for his actions. “I thought he was innocently expressing his sexuality – until I needed help and he didn’t care but pursued his own needs,” she said. “I’d just be happy for him to be exposed and made an example of because the more I think of it the more I realise how f**ked up it was. She worried there would be others like her out there who may be in similar positions, which is why she reached out to the Herald. The director of operations for the hospital and specialist services in the area where the patient lives acknowledged the complaint. “Te Whatu Ora is extremely concerned about the complaint received and is taking it very seriously,” she said. “Our usual complaints process is being followed and a full investigation will be undertaken. “Until that investigation is complete it’s inappropriate for us to comment further.” The patient said a Te Whatu Ora Health NZ representative had been in contact after she made the complaint, advising her the worker had been “stood down”. – NZ Herald 20KM/H WHEN PASSING A SCHOOL BUS
Wednesday February 14 2024 Selwyn Times 21 RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL LINCOLN Tranquil Rural Retreat With Options Seldom do opportunities come along to purchase land so close to Lincoln and in this much sought-after location. With options to purchase the whole property of 12.6748 hectares or a mix of the following: Lot 1- 4.174ha. Character home, sheds, splendid gardens /Lot 2 - 4.1768ha. Large workshop (3ph power), 70m2 family flat Lot 3 - 4.3234ha. Small cottage, quiet road Lot 1 - This unique property offers a rare opportunity to reside in a beautiful much-loved character home ensconced in a sheltered private and peaceful rural setting. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the warmth and character that radiates throughout. The well-designed layout boasts four bedrooms and a centrally located bathroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for all. With high ceilings, ample natural light and generous proportions each room has been tastefully finished to enhance the sense of space. The heart of the home is a spacious open plan living and dining area, perfect for entertaining guests or spending time with loved ones. Lot 2 - Another stunning block featuring a large workshop and a 70m2 family two-bedroom flat with plentiful building sites. Lot 3 - A bare block with a tiny solar house. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and explore the exciting options. DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY No Prior Offers Closes 2.00pm, Wednesday 28 February VIEW By Appointment Only Ron Ferguson M 027 498 6256 E ron.ferguson@pggwrightson.co.nz pggwre.co.nz/LCN38999 OPEN HOME Introducing SARAH VAN HOOF Your local Residential and Lifestyle Consultant PGG Wrightson Real Estate are pleased to welcome Sarah van Hoof to the Selwyn team. Meet Sarah, your trusted guide in the world of real estate. With an impressive 28 years of in-depth knowledge of the district, Sarah is not just a real estate salesperson; she’s a community cornerstone, known for her warm and approachable nature. When it comes to selling your property, talk to Sarah, her relatable personality and in depth knowledge of the community goes hand in hand so as to achieve the best possible result for you. M 027 230 9624 CALL SARAH TODAY E Sarah.vanHoof@pggwrightson.co.nz GLENTUNNEL 66 Homebush Road A Place to Call Home This charming and cosy brick home offers wonderful features comprising a large open plan kitchen, living, and dining area with a cathedral ceiling and large windows. Three bedrooms with the master hosting a walk-through wardrobe and ensuite, family bathroom and good storage. Heating is a gas fire and heat pump plus the home is double glazed. A very desirable property in a wonderful highly sought after area. With a sportsmans paradise of rivers, golf courses and mountains at your very doorstep to enjoy. A place to call home. DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY GST Inclusive Closes 2.00pm, Wednesday 28 February VIEW 1.00-1.30pm, Sunday 18 & 25 February Min Cookson M 027 249 5417 E min.cookson@pggwrightson.co.nz pggwre.co.nz PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008. pggwre.co.nz/LCN39060 PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008 6/19 Gerald Street, LINCOLN Cnr South Terrace & Ross Street, DARFIELD Phone: 03 341 4301 | Email: christchurch@pggwre.co.nz Helping grow the country For more great listings, visit www.pggwre.co.nz PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008 Helping grow the country
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Selwyn_Times: February 14, 2024

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