Dr Lynda Scott

National Senior Citizens Spokesperson

29 November 2001

Dyson fails to deliver to aged care sector Aged care providers are so fed up with a lack of support from the Government they are petitioning Parliament today calling for a fairer deal for aged care providers, National's Senior Citizens spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott said today.

"All the strategies from Disabilities Minister Ruth Dyson in the world to address the growing problems in aged care will not help if she can't deliver enough funding to improve services. Today David Nelson of the Wellington City Mission is presenting a petition to Parliament signed by 7000 people which calls for a fair deal for aged care providers.

"It takes a lot of courage for those in the caring professions to take the issue this far, but it is their last resort when all else has failed. "These 7000 signatories are frustrated that a Government that promised so much has delivered nothing.

"For two years aged care providers have been asking this Government for fairer funding, a national contract and national standards. Ruth Dyson has not listened or delivered on any of these issues.

"The disability levels of elderly in rest homes is increasing while funding for their care decreases. By allowing this to continue we are putting elderly in rest homes at risk. "New Zealanders can't be expected to believe the Minister when she says there is no money to provide the services needed. There is plenty of money for airlines, the Arts, the Peoples' Bank, Maori T.V. The Aged Care sector deserves better," Dr Scott said.

Ends

Aged Care Petition: will be presented to Dr Scott and Minister Dyson at 1.30pm on Parliament steps today

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