Aged Care Funding Will Assist Sector Under Pressure

The Government’s announcement of more money for aged care recognises the significant funding pressures on the sector, Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.

The Government has given district health boards an additional $18m to fund residential care for older people.

The CTU welcomed the move which was needed to deliver quality care for people in resthomes, dementia units and long-stay hospitals.

”Poor pay and conditions have resulted in huge recruitment and retention problems, with most aged care providers unable to employ enough trained workers,” Ross Wilson said.

Unions were actively involved in the working party looking at longer-term solutions.

"Sustainable solutions must ensure that funding levels are sufficient to improve staffing levels and training and will result in fair pay for caregivers, support workers and nurses in the sector."

Unions also acknowledged the commitment of the former Associate Minister of Health, Ruth Dyson, to improving funding and the provision of services to the aged care sector.

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New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Te Kauae Kaimahi

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.

CONTACT NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL OF TRADE UNIONS

• Website - union.org.nz/
• Phone - +64 4 385 1334
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• Physical Address - Level 7, West Block, Education House, 178 Willis St, Wellington.

• Media Contact - huiaw@nzctu.org.nz
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• Postal Address - PO Box 6645, Marion Square, Wellington 6141.

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