Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) Southern group director of operations Hamish Brown said there were currently 10 patients in Ward 11, which accommodates people with severe mental illness.
"We have been planning for the closure of Ward 11 for some time but we do not have a confirmed date for this," he said.
Last year, the health system’s forecast closure date for the ward was mid-2024.
Mr Brown said the ward was no longer accepting new patients and five people had been moved into alternative accommodation.
He did not say what type of accommodation they had moved to, nor provide details of the living arrangements for those who would be moved in future.
The intended closure of the ward was announced in 2021, following a review of regional mental health and addiction services that highlighted the need for those in Ward 11 to switch to appropriate community-based services.
Comcare Trust had signed on as the community provider in 2022.
However, the closure had sparked backlash — the sister of a patient with schizophrenia told the Otago Daily Times earlier this year he would never be well enough to cope, and called for concrete information rather than fluffy descriptions of the concept of community care.
A petition launched on change.org in January to stop the closure received 869 signatures
"Our plea is for [HNZ] to provide the necessary care within a suitable facility, rather than releasing these individuals into environments where they may pose risks to themselves and those around them," it stated.
Mr Brown said the most suitable accommodation for patients would be assessed on an individual basis in partnership families.
"While we expect most to be able to be moved into the community, those who are not yet ready for this may be transferred to another inpatient unit at Wakari Hospital.
"Any risks or concerns will also be assessed and appropriate supports put in place.
"It is anticipated that all patients placed in the community will be supported by the Community Mental Health Team."
