Focus 2000 audits sanitised

Audits of disability services provider Focus 2000, obtained through the Official Information Act, appear sanitised and fail to throw any light on individual quality of life, says National’s Disability Issues spokesman, Dr Paul Hutchison.

The audits arose after allegations of patient abuse, deaths and mismanagement, with several million dollars paid out for services that Focus 2000 never provided.

“This is of huge concern. It appears the Ministry of Health is carrying out audits that don’t get to the core of the issue – ensuring that quality of life of people with disabilities is held paramount.

“The audits show that a large number of the measures checked for were only partially achieved. There is no sign of ‘continuous improvement’ being carried out – this ranges from ‘people treated with dignity and respect’ to ‘participation in services’. And the Ministry of Health continues to use a tick-box reporting method.

“Health Minister Pete Hodgson has previously said there was no need for an inquiry into Focus 2000. It is clear from these sanitised audits that the Ministry and the Minister are avoiding facing the realities of the failings of this provider.

“I remain hopeful that the select committee inquiry, which will be hearing submissions on problems in the disability sector early next year, will take a more practical and probing approach,” says Dr Hutchison.

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