Close-Up Story Not Representative Of Sector

MEDIA RELEASE
19 January 2009

Close-Up Story Not Representative Of Aged-Care Sector

The TVNZ programme Close Up targeted a residential aged-care facility they knew had problems and was not representative of the entire sector, says HealthCare Providers New Zealand.

"One case of bad management is one case too many. Our sector is working to eliminate sub-standard operators from providing services to this country's elderly. There are 757 rest-homes in New Zealand and unfortunately isolated cases of irresponsible management do occur," Mr Martin Taylor, CEO of HealthCare Providers New Zealand, said.

"Tonight's Close Up programme also failed to highlight the very real changes that are occurring in this sector with the Government and providers currently working on introducing a spot audit regime and the publishing of audit reports on the internet for the public to see.

"Furthermore, the Government has made a commitment to the aged-care sector, and is supporting a strategic review by providers and DHBs to ensure all New Zealanders have access to world-class aged-care services.

"We all have to take notice and report poor practice. We all have a responsibility to ensure high-quality care is delivered to this country's most vulnerable people" Mr Taylor said.

ENDS

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