Media Statement
For immediate release
Monday, 1 August 2005

Alexander: Aged care sector has every right to shout out

United Future senior citizens spokesman Marc Alexander today backed the Residential Care Providers NZ's billboard campaign on funding of aged care.

"Absolutely they should be protesting and embarrassing the Government over the disgraceful situation the aged care sector is in today because of a lack of funding.

"It was only last month that they finally got $18 million in emergency money for distribution to aged care providers after the Government had sat on its hand for a full seven months since agreeing to provide the funds.

"And even then it simply isn't enough - but it absolutely encapsulates the Government's neglect of the whole area," Mr Alexander said.

He said United Future would ensure that aged care sector funding covers staffing costs in both residential services and in-home care.

"This would improve the certainty, transparency and quality of care," he said.

Mr Alexander said United Future would also support pay parity between nursing staff at district health boards and those in the aged care sector.

"The current discrepancy simply makes no sense, is very unfair and goes a long way to explaining recruitment and staff retention problems in the aged care sector," he said.

Ends.

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