The four-month transition period officially started last Friday, but the board said process details were being worked through.
Caregivers and Related Employees union organiser Mike Hanifin said yesterday that to his knowledge, no staff from outgoing providers, such as Presbyterian Support Otago, had yet transferred to new employers.
He understood clients would switch, in large blocks at a time, during April and May. Large switch-overs on a single day avoided the potential messiness of drip-feeding clients to new providers. Exceptions could be clients entering the system from March 1, he said.
Funding and finance director Robert Mackway-Jones, in a statement, said clients would be contacted by phone, or have a meeting, to discuss their transfer.
''The transition process is being finalised between providers to ensure a seamless process with client care and safety and protection of employment for staff being the main priorities.
''The details of the transition will vary across the district, depending on the processes of the outgoing providers, staff deciding to transfer to new providers, and the number of clients and staff involved.''
Through a spokeswoman, Mr Mackway-Jones declined to detail specifics of the change-over.
However, he confirmed new clients were referred directly to new providers, although old providers would assist with the workload for the interim period where necessary.
The controversial changes eliminated Presbyterian Support Otago as a provider, and awarded Otago and Southland home support to Access, Healthcare NZ and the Australian-owned Royal District Nursing Service.
Asked how many people attended information days held across the region last month, the board said it did not count them.
''The information sessions held around the district for clients, their families and staff were well attended.''
