Concern at the way the
Otago District Health Board is handling possible changes to
the way community services are allocated to the rural elderly
has been expressed by Public Service Association organiser
Julie Morton.
She understood the board had indicated it did not intend to
fund rural hospitals for the work done by service
co-ordinators beyond October, but there had been no official
notification to the union about this.
Ms Morton said she was disappointed that the board had not
advised her members directly about any possible changes.
At this stage, rural hospitals are unsure whether the service
will still be provided by people working locally or through a
Dunedin-based system.
Ms Morton said rural hospitals were set up to provide
services in their areas.
Local people had the relevant knowledge and expertise which
would be hard to provide from afar.
Clutha First manager Ray Anton confirmed he had been advised
recently that the matter would be discussed at a meeting on
July 24, but he did not know what was being proposed.
He considered it would be hard for the service to be
organised from outside.
The needs assessment service co-ordinators worked on the
wards, helping to organise services for people who were
leaving hospital. It would be difficult to do this without
being present.
Concerns about over-delivery of services to the elderly could
be addressed by the board asking staff to apply new
assessment criteria, he said.
Board management is tight-lipped about the meeting.
Regional planning and funding general manager David Chrisp
said on Wednesday the meeting was about continuity of care
for the elderly and it would be inappropriate to discuss the
issues beforehand, because it could look as if the outcomes
were pre-determined.
However, he did say the board still intended to have needs
assessment co-ordination services in rural areas.
The board has been looking closely at spending on community
provision of services for the elderly this year, because it
is concerned it is spending about $10 million a year more
than it should be, according to national averages.
It hopes to be able to reduce the spending by about $6.6
million over three years.
elspeth.mclean@odt.co.nz
