Windermere Aged Care Facility in Crisis

Media Release:

Windermere Aged Care Facility in Crisis

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is appalled by practices at one of the biggest residential aged-care providers in New Zealand, Oceania Care Co., and its attitude to residents and staff.

Staff at Windermere, an Oceania site in Christchurch, raised concerns with NZNO that the facility was not being safely staffed to meet patient needs. NZNO then relayed these serious concerns, in writing, to Oceania management more than a week ago.

“Oceania is refusing to take responsibility for some very serious issues which are impacting on elderly residents. Staff members are now being forced to take their concerns to the media,” said NZNO organiser John Miller.

“Now the Canterbury DHB is getting involved and Oceania’s response is to call the staff liars! Our members are outraged. They raised their concerns in what can only be described as an extremely hostile environment for the sole purpose of improving the conditions for the elderly residents,” said Miller.

Another Oceania site was recently in the media due to complaints made to the Health and Disability Commissioner regarding Villa Gardens, also in Christchurch, where one resident was not showered for over a year and another resident was extremely emaciated at the time of his death.

The Health and Disability Commission found in the Villa Gardens case, “The inaction and failure to follow polices ... demonstrates a culture of non-compliance, systemic failings, and an environment that did not sufficiently support and assist staff to do what was required of them. The Home must take responsibility for this.”

Miller is concerned that Oceania has not improved its practices since the issues at Villa Garden were raised. “Has Oceania learnt anything from what happened at Villa Gardens? Are residents and staff living and working in these conditions safe?” he asked.

ENDS