Eating Disorder Clinic Audit Comes Too Late

Tuesday 25 Nov 2003 Heather Roy Press Releases -- Health

ACT New Zealand Health Spokesman Heather Roy today asked why organisations contracted to provide health services must slip up before anyone bothers to audit them, after Wellington's eating disorders clinic was given six months to shape up or face closure.

"At last, the four nurses and care worker who resigned from the clinic have been listened to. They have been vindicated for their concerns," Mrs Roy said.

"The situation, as it stands, is no surprise. It is, however, immensely worrying that the Labour Government's lack of accountability allowed Jo Turner - a cook and cleaner, not a health professional - to counsel patients and administer medication.

"Turner may have wonderful organisational skills - but she was not equipped to administer methadone or hold one-on-one counselling. Thanks to Labour, however, we have hospitality staff treating patients while health professionals head for greener pastures overseas.

"That, however, does not mean we can sit back and allow this to continue. The question remains as to why this situation was allowed to develop in the first place - monitoring and auditing should be a routine part of any process where taxpayer money is being used to fund services," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

© Scoop Media