Labour Promises to Fix Audit Problems in Aged Care - But Much More Needed

10 October 2008

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is welcoming the proposed changes to the way that audits are conducted in residential aged care facilities as announced by the Minister of Health yesterday.

However such changes are only part of the solution in the complete overhaul that the sector needs.

“Minimum mandatory staffing levels, national qualifications for caregivers, and pay parity with DHB nurses and health care assistants are urgent issues that need to be addressed by our government to ensure patient safety in our aged care hospitals and rest homes” Cee Payne NZNO Organising Services Manager said.

“The National Party decimated pay in the aged care sector during the 1990’s by removing collective bargaining rights and penal rates. At the same time funding to the sector was strangled with providers receiving less than 5% in total across the ten years.

And while Labour has endeavoured to address funding since taking up the Government reigns far more is required. Caregiver pay needs to increase to at least $17.00 per hour and Registered Nurses to $28.00 per hour in recognition of the real value of the work.” Said Payne

“The sector has a workforce crisis and the government must act if it is committed to the care of the frail and elderly in New Zealand.”

ENDS