Recommendations Good for Aged Care Workforce - But National Out of Touch

30 September 2008

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is very pleased with the recommendations made in the report by the Health Select Committee as a result of an almost 34,000 strong petition submitted in 2007.

“Our petition called for the Government to address the key areas of concern in residential aged care. These concerns were fair pay for aged care workers – including addressing the significant pay gap between hospital and aged care workers, securing safe staffing levels, for the benefit of both workers and residents, and ensuring funding for training so that those delivering the care have all the skills necessary”. NZNO Industrial Advisor Lynley Mulrine said today

“It is wonderful to see that the select committee has upheld our concerns and has made recommendations which are aligned to what we are seeking” Mulrine said

“We are now calling for all political parties to spell out their policies and timeframes during the election campaign. We need to make sure changes are introduced with urgency by the next government.”

Ms Mulrine said NZNO was alarmed that the National Party did not support the recommendations.

“The National Party does not seem to understand that the issue of paramount importance in residential aged care is the terms and conditions of the workers. Our elderly deserve to be cared for by workers who are valued and paid a fair wage.” Mulrine said.

ENDS