Dr Tony O’Brien, of Auckland, for services to mental health nursing
TO RECEIVE THE INSIGNIA OF AN OFFICER OF THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT
Dr Tony O’Brien, of Auckland, for services to mental health nursing
Dr Tony O’Brien is a mental health nurse, educator, researcher and writer who has contributed to the development of mental health nursing as a rigorous, evidence-based profession.
His research has changed the way the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 is used by registered nurses. He was a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland and is currently Associate Professor of mental health nursing at the University of Waikato.
He was the inaugural President of Te Ao Māramatanga – New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses. Dr O’Brien’s research has led to the redevelopment of police operational guidelines for the use of Tasers in mental health emergencies, and he is part of the Community Liaison Group that the Police consult with over the use of force and other issues.