New Zealand Private Hospitals Association

Wed, 16 Feb 2005

New Zealand Private Hospitals Association

Crisis In Aged Care Continues - Roskill Masonic Village Gone .....but still DHBNZ refuse to pass on the $18 million.

The crisis in aged care funding continues with the departure of another operator from the sector - Roskill Masonic in Auckland.

Despite wanting to stay in the sector and continue providing a high level of care for the elderly they have been force to sell because of inadequate funding over the last 10 years.

This latest move by the Masonic Village board follows the Methodist Mission sale, the Salvation Army exiting the sector, and the closures of rest homes and hospitals in throughout the country.

"Again it's the 207 residents and their caregivers who will bear the brunt of government and DHBNZ inaction, they are the people with no security of life style or employment.

"What my providers find really appalling is that they were promised a 3% funding increase before Christmas but DHBNZ will not pass it on".

"The government promised the 3% increase unconditionally, however, DHBNZ have imposed significant conditions before they will consider releasing it".

"It makes you wonder who is really running the country the Labour Government or a bunch of unaccountable bureaucrats". says Martin Taylor CEO of Residential Care NZ

ENDS

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