Conference Focuses On Expectations For Aged Care

Conference Focuses On Expectations For Aged Care

‘Balancing Expectations’ is the theme of this year’s HealthCare Providers NZ Conference, starting in Auckland on Monday.

“This is a watershed year for aged care in New Zealand. In the lead-up to the election, we are well aware that a changed social and political landscape could be on its way. We want to make sure aged care is high on the priority list whatever the outcome”, said Martin Taylor, Chief Executive, Healthcare Providers NZ.

The Conference, to be opened by the Leader of NZ First, the Rt Hon Winston Peters, will bring together hundreds of providers from across the aged care sector, as well as policy makers, lobbyists and funders.

In what promises to be an intriguing session, the current Minister of Health, Hon David Cunliffe, faces his would-be replacement, Hon Tony Ryall, National Party Health spokesperson.

HCPNZ CEO Martin Taylor said that he was expecting policy promises from all three of these political parties to be unveiled at the Conference.

“We need to be realistic about how we are going to fund aged care now and in the future, and how to balance the expectations of funders, providers and consumers. The Government will not be able to sustain present funding levels for all New Zealanders forever. It’s imperative we agree on a demand and supply equation before we runᾠout of beds said Mr. Taylor.

“We also need to talk about who is going to bear the cost of care, and about the need for a strategy to deal with chronic caregiver and nurse shortages. We want to ensure that our expectations for the future are going to be addressed by whatever Government is in charge”.

ENDS

© Scoop Media