Mid Central’s Audit Report Not Independent

Mid Central’s Audit Report Not Independent [NZ Aged Care Association]

Today MidCentral DHB released the audit report into Rose A Lea Rest Home weeks after the facility was hurriedly closed down against the wishes of residents and their families.

“While the accuracy of the audit report is questionable in some areas, we do accept that improvements needed to be made to the building and the book keeping. But these could have been done within a few weeks and would have saved the facility and residents' community” said Martin Taylor, CEO of the New Zealand Aged Care Association.

The audit report was written by Central TAS, a wholly owned subsidiary of the DHB, as such it is not an independent audit opinion as claimed by Mid Central DHB in today’s media release.

"We note that Mike Grant from the DHB who made the decision to close Rose A Lea was also acting CEO of Central TASS recently".

It is also important to understand the home was closed before the audit report was written, which raises issues of procedural fairness and natural justice.

Furthermore, the report was also completed after the DHB has been criticised for hurriedly closing the facility and moving residents with little notice or care.

“The report also contains factual errors which the auditors refuse to correct. For example the report says that the facility had no current building warrant of fitness. However, the building did have a current warrant of fitness, and a copy of the certificate was given to the auditors on 17 November, and again last week. The question we have is why Central TAS refused to alter an incorrect finding?”

“Because of the reckless speed in closing Rose A Lea, there are questions about whether the audit report has been written in a manner to justify the actions of MidCentral DHB, and reduce any legal risks they may face in future.”

“The human cost of the closure has been significant for all 15 residents involved. One resident was allowed to look after her own cat at Rose A Lea. However, the DHB moved her to a home that wouldn’t take her cat. As such with less than 24 hours notice this elderly woman was separated from her closest friend because the DHB acted without consideration or compassion” said Mr Taylor.

“It is also interesting to note that the DHB believes the home had to be closed immediately, despite the residents being happy and well cared for.”

“The question we all have to ask is was the hurried closure of Rose A Lea in the best interests of the 15 residents? The answer to that is a resounding no. As such the MidCentral DHB managers who made these poor decisions need to be held to account,” said Mr Taylor.

ENDS

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