Scott Simpson
MP For Coromandel

2 September 2013

More public information on rest homes

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says having easier access to online information about rest homes will provide confidence and peace of mind for families with a loved one in care.

Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew has announced that, from November, the Ministry of Health will be trialling a new system giving people access to full rest home audit reports. People will also be able to see if a rest home has any current problems and what's being done to fix them.

“It is a difficult and at times daunting decision for a family to entrust the care of a relative to a third party. They are entitled to know as much as possible about the facility they are considering so they can be confident about their choice. This new online information will assist greatly,” said Mr Simpson.

Under the changes historical audit summaries going back to 2009 will also be published so people can see what progress has been made and if there are any ongoing issues.

In addition, improvements to the Ministry’s website will make it easier for the public to find the information they need. Rather than searching through a list of 633 certified rest homes and hospitals, people will be able to click on a map to pull up information on facilities in their area that interest them.

Alongside steps to make information about rest homes more accessible to the public, the Government is also making information about public hospitals more accessible. Summary audit reports for district health boards will be published on the Ministry’s My DHB website from November.

For more information on a particular rest home visit www.health.govt.nz/your-health and click on the Rest Home Certification link.

ENDS

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