Health Minister gives former Jami-Lee Ross heartfelt welcome at new mental health unit opening

Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross had made his first public appearance since being admitted to hospital for mental health care, at the very hospital he was admitted to.

The now independent MP has attended the opening of Middlemore Hospital's new 38-bed mental health unit, Tiaho Mai.

Health Minister David Clark, speaking to the gathered audience, paid "particular respect" and specially welcomed Mr Ross to the opening.  

Afterwards, Mr Ross spoke briefly to reporters, saying he was there to support the staff, doctors and nurses at the unit.

“They do a fantastic job and there’s amazing people and it’s their special day at the opening of the new building," he said.

“I just wanted to be here to support them. I’m not here to talk politics”.

“I’m here as a local MP but also as someone that is very thankful for everything they did for me but also for thousands of New Zealanders around the country”.

Mr Ross was admitted for a time last month after a tumultuous week in New Zealand politics, with Mr Ross accusing National Party leader Simon Bridges of corruption. Mr Bridges denied the claims.

Mr Ross also released recordings of conversations between himself and Mr Bridges.

Mr Ross has made a formal complaint to police about his allegations.

He himself is also accused by several women of harassment and bullying, and admitted he had an affair with a fellow MP.

Mr Ross has been in leave on what he said was medical advice, with New Zealand First accepting his proxy vote.

- By Kim Baker-Wilson