Nga Wheako a Tetahi Nehi Maori i roto i te Kooti mo nga Tupapaku: Me Pehea te Whakapai? A Maori Nurse's Experience in the Coroner's Court: How Can it be Better?

Abstract

Anei tatou na ko te pa Ano tatou na he ra ki tua. Here we are in the night but the day is soon to follow There is light at the end of the tunnel (Moon, 2005, p. 21). This thesis is based on my experience of an inquest at a Coroner's Court. The above whakatauaki aptly describes my hikoi as a result of the inquest. At various times immediately, before, during and after the inquest it was difficult to stay positive about myself or my career. This thesis is testimony to there indeed being light at the end of the tunnel. My presence was requested in the Coroner's Court after the death of a tangata whaiora who was a resident in supported accommodation with a mental health funded non-government organisation (NGO). Tangata whaiora living in supported accommodation are assessed six-monthly to review their level of support needs. My contact with this tangata whaiora was part of this review process in my role as Regional Service Co-ordinator for Maori. The tangata whaiora and I were present at the six-monthly reviews, which also could include whanau, an NGO support worker, a clinical case manager or any other person nominated by the tangata whaiora. Reflective topical autobiography has helped me to frame my personal narrative and a critical discourse analysis has been adopted to examine issues of language, power and control that seemed appropriate given the context of this thesis. During the inquest I was in a position of disempowerment and isolation, and felt whakama. This was due to the language the coroner used, which I had difficulty understanding, and that I had been 'requested' to appear in court. This evoked memories and feelings from my childhood and indeed to the present, most especially from witnessing my family feeling whakama at their limited understanding of the English language. I undertook this study in the hope that it will be useful to other nurses who find themselves involved in an inquest. The experience can affect a person personally and professionally. However, while I found this experience to be negative, overall, there were some positive outcomes. Improved communication between mental health services and the NGO sector before the support needs review of tangata whaiora has been one such outcome. The opportunity to share my knowledge with other colleagues and health professionals will, I hope, help them to have a better understanding of the Coroner's Court and the processes and preparation involved. This will help any nurse or other health professional to maintain their confidence and dignity throughout an inquest. The research findings revealed nurses have limited knowledge and understanding regarding Coroner's and Coroner's Courts. The themes of disempowerment, isolation, power and knowledge, and language strongly argues for nurses to be clear about their role and responsibilities, be competent and confident in their clinical practice, and importantly be comfortable and confident in themselves.