New Zealand Aged Care Services, which operates the rest-home, confirmed yesterday Oxford Court rest-home manager Jillian Jones had resigned, effective immediately.
She had been on leave over the holiday period and would not be returning.
She was believed to have worked at the rest-home since the start of last year but would now be returning to Christchurch, to be closer to family and friends.
The company said the process of recruitment for a replacement of the care home manager position was under way.
Until a successor was appointed, support was being provided by an interim manager, and staff would continue to deliver high-quality care to residents. the company said.
The rest-home was the subject of multiple complaints over the past couple of months, much of it centred on the alleged actions of management.
The complaints talked of bullying, abusive behaviour, staff and residents being yelled at, visitors trespassed and a culture of fear involving residents and staff.
One complaint was about a man with the power of attorney over a resident being trespassed and being accused of giving Viagra to the resident.
Another was about an assisted dying procedure which family members said was "ruined" by the alleged actions of Mrs Jones.
Three personal grievance claims have been taken by former staff at the rest-home, all of which are waiting to be heard.
One of those taking a personal grievance claim, Brooke Carman, said yesterday she was concerned the resignation of Mrs Jones might lead to the company not following through with numerous other pending alleged complaints about her conduct.
She said there was widespread disappointment that the manager leaving might mean she would not be held accountable for her actions.
"An apology is owed by New Zealand Aged Care Services to residents, families and staff. The manager leaving does not excuse her behaviour."
Mrs Carman said she would continue with her personal grievance.
"The circumstances need to be detailed. The consequences and hurt I have faced need to be recognised and exposed."
Other incidents included a person being shoved and frequently yelled at and a former resident being served with a trespass order from Oxford Court after he had left the rest-home.
There were also allegations of threats to terminate staff contracts at any time. Staff privacy was breached and HR complaints were ignored.
WorkSafe determined a site visit was not required as it was not the best-placed agency to respond, when asked earlier last month. Many issues revolved around employment relations — an area regulated by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment.
Mrs Carman wrote to Health Minister Simeon Brown over her concerns.
Mr Brown replied saying he was aware of Oxford Court and said although staffing issues were for the employer, the government was responsible for the welfare of aged-care facilities.
In his reply, he said Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora had received similar concerns via the health integrity line, the health and disability advocate and HealthCERT.
Mr Brown said HNZ worked with NZ Aged Care Services for several weeks before conducting an audit on December 9-10. It identified several areas for improvement, which have been shared with Oxford Court management, he said.
