Labour MPs ask board to reassess PSO decision

Dunedin's Labour MPs have called on the Southern District Health Board to help the community understand its decision to exclude Presbyterian Services Otago from its list of providers of home help services for the elderly.

David Clark and Clare Curran wrote to each board member last week asking them to reassess their decision.

''The SDHB has declined to engage in discussion to help the community understand their decision. As representatives of the local community we are

calling on them to engage with those affected and consider including PSO as a fourth provider as allowed by the contract,'' their letter said.

Clients and workers deserved to have their voices heard as did members of the community which had long been served by Presbyterian Support, the MPs said.

A fair and transparent process was needed to ensure the best outcome for all involved and, in this case, the SDHB had not done that, and was continuing to decline to engage with PSO and other interested parties, they said.