Mr Titcombe was responding to a Fairfax newspaper report claiming there were problems in its Dunedin service, including a suggestion clients could be missing out on care visits.
''People are looking for stories here.''
Mr Titcombe, contacted in Wellington, said the issues raised related solely to Community First, a group of more than 60 particularly fragile older people who used to be catered for by Presbyterian Support Otago. The contract transferred to Access a few weeks ago.
Access hired staff employed by the former provider to ensure continuity.
There were no teething issues of any consequence. Mr Titcombe said the provider was happy to look at any issues raised with it by carers.
Access was one of three providers awarded the Otago-Southland home support service. A four-month transition period ended last Monday. Carers and Related Employees union organiser Mike Hanifin said, when contacted, carers had found the new system at times disorganised, lacking in communication about client needs. There was also a dispute about pay, and how many hours could be charged.
He was pleased Access had initiated a meeting in Wellington next week, which he would attend.
Any new system was expected to bring teething problems, but an initial lack of response from Access had caused frustration, he said. Southern District Health Board chief executive Carole Heatly also played down the issue, saying any teething issues would be quickly resolved.
''The new restorative model of care is being transitioned into place, and we will continue to review progress.''
Two complaints had been received from clients since the transition period started on March 1, and both had been resolved, the board said.
There were no complaints from staff to the board.
July 1 was the first day clients were able to change provider if they wished, and only one had done so, the board said.
