No decisions have been made about any changes to the ISIS rehabilitation service at Wakari Hospital, but "some issues" are under consideration by staff, Southern District Health Board's mental health and community services general manager Elaine Chisnall says.
"We are looking at some issues in the service, but that's as far as it's got," she said.
She would not elaborate on the specific issues being discussed.
"At the moment, we are working with staff and seeking some feedback from them."
These discussions were to identify solutions and there had been no outcomes from them at this stage, she said.
No decisions had been made "about anything".
Patients should have no cause for concern and if, at any stage, changes were proposed, there would be good communication with those involved so people were kept informed.
She was responding to concerns raised by a patient, who did not wish to be named, that respite care services provided at the centre were to be curtailed or reduced.
He understood the reduction plans were a result of the service losing an ACC contract, but Mrs Chisnall said while there were issues related to reduced revenue from ACC contracts for rehabilitation, respite care was funded through the Ministry of Health.
She confirmed, however, that respite care, because it was one of the services provided by the centre, was one of the areas under discussion.
Mrs Chisnall indicated it was too early to say when outcomes from the discussions with staff might be expected.
The patient who contacted the Otago Daily Times said he was concerned decisions would be made without anybody knowing about them and it was his impression staff had been given strict instructions not to talk to anyone.
