CDHB Surprised By Newell House Announcement

Canterbury District Health Board was notified today that Newell House Trust will be closing on 28 May 2010.

“This announcement has come completely out of left field. It is a well used service and we are both surprised and disappointed,” Carolyn Gullery, CDHB’s General Manager Planning and Funding said.

Newell House is a small provider of planned respite (four beds) for women severely affected by mental illness and their children. Canterbury DHB has a contract for two beds, with the other two beds being funded as a fee for service through the Psychiatric Emergency Service and Carer Support.

CDHB has an existing three year contract with Newell House that includes annual price adjustments.

“At no time during the current contract period has the DHB been made aware of any concerns regarding funding levels,” Ms Gullery said. “The DHB has in fact been in contact with the Chairperson in the last month and no concerns were raised.”

Canterbury DHB will be moving quickly to develop alternative services with other providers of planned respite to ensure services continue to be available for those that need them.

ENDS

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