Clive Bensemann

Guest writer

Dr Clive Bensemann is the clinical lead for the mental health and addiction (MHA) quality improvement programme. He works at Health New Zealand Waitematā as Clinical Director for Mental Health Services for Older Adults.

‘Completely avoidable’: inside the efforts to eliminate seclusion in NZ mental health care

‘Completely avoidable’: inside the efforts to eliminate seclusion in NZ mental health care

The practice of seclusion has been controversially used in mental healthcare in Aotearoa for years. Three health workers share what's been working in the efforts to reduce its use to zero.

By Clive Bensemann

, Wikepa Keelan

& Arana Pearson | 22nd May, 2025