09 August 2005

Aged Care Secure With New Zealand First

New Zealand First made three commitments at the inaugural Healthcare Providers conference in Auckland today.

“First, we will dramatically increase funding to the elder care sector to place it on a stable footing,” said Jim Peters MP.

“We will also remove income and asset testing for those requiring long stay hospital care and remove asset testing for those in long stay private care. Labour made similar promises in 2002, which have not been kept in this regard.

“Secondly, New Zealand First will ensure that a portion of this increased funding will be ring-fenced to raise the abysmal pay rates of people working in the sector.

“Thirdly, we will put in place a long term plan which recognises the challenges that an ageing population will present over the next two decades. New Zealand First acknowledges that the need for community and residential care can be intertwined.”

Mr Peters reminded delegates of funding issues in the industry and the need to convey security and access for those in need of care and specialised care.

“The real challenge is to grow the economy in order to be able to provide the health services needed in the future,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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