Dr Lynda Scott National Disability Spokesperson National Associate Health Spokesperson
18 March 2002
Dyson listens to National on home care services
National Disability Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott said she was delighted with today's decision by the Government to halt
the contracting out of home care services in the lower North Island.
"This month Disability Minister Ruth Dyson assured Parliament she was satisfied with the contracting process, but today
she has admitted the process created unacceptable uncertainty and disruption and stopped the Ministry of Health
continuing with the changes.
"I am glad Ruth Dyson has finally seen sense and stopped this unfair process which was started without consultation. The
net effect of the Ministry changing these contracts was to slash the number of providers in both the Manawatu and Hawkes
Bay from seven to two.
"Those who use the services and the providers were very upset because the changes were being made without any
consultation and treated them like chattels to be passed around.
"It took National raising this issue in Parliament, calling for the process to be stopped and attending an angry public
meeting in Palmerston North to get the Minister to see sense. We took this issue up for older New Zealanders and the
disabled who were very concerned and we are pleased we have achieved this result for them.
"What all home care consumers and providers need now is an assurance from the Minister that they can continue to get and
provide the service they have been," Dr Scott said.
Ends