Lynda Scott National Party Senior Citizens Spokeswoman

23 June 2005

Aged-care providers still waiting for cash

Despite Labour promising more money to aged-care providers, they still have not received it, says National's Senior Citizens spokeswoman, Lynda Scott.

"Six months after a 3% funding increase was given to DHBs, rest home and geriatric hospital owners still can't increase carer wages, obtain registered nurses or expand their care services," says Dr Scott.

"This is another example of Labour throwing money at an issue but failing to see that it reaches its target.

"DHBs still haven't passed on the 3% increase, let alone the Budget increase. Promises were made that the contracts would be delivered on in June, but we are seeing yet another delay as HealthPac continues to be in a state of disarray.

"Labour must sort this out. They have set up a health system that has made it impossible to get dollars to the coalface in a timely manner.

"The problems associated with the 21 DHBs and HealthPac have aged-care providers screaming for relief.

"Ministers stick their heads in the sand and repeat the mantra 'if they have signed their contracts they get the money', but it just isn't happening.

"Labour needs to wake up and sort this mess out so our elderly can age with dignity and receive appropriate levels of care," says Dr Scott.

ENDS

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