The older patients suffering from mental health issues and advanced dementia have become a cause of concern. It is feared that if the Alexandra Hospital closes down, the quality of care provided for the older patients will suffer. The hospital specializes in the mental health issues and advanced dementia. It is located in Richmond.

The psycho geriatric hospital will be closed by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board. They plan to open a new psycho geriatric short-term assessment unit at the Nelson Hospital. At present, there are around 20 patients at the Alexandra Hospital.

The Board plans to have special units at rest homes for patients who would require a long treatment and care. The problem is that patients with mental health issues and advanced dementia are normally quite polite and well behaved but at times they tend to become extremely aggressive. The concern people have is that the staff at the rest homes is not trained to handle such situations. They also fear that if an argument between the staff and the older patients increases the police might have to get involved.

The families of such older patients have been extremely satisfied by the care and treatment provided at the Alexandra Hospital. They feel that the board should consider increasing the capacity of beds in the hospital.