IHC welcomes Productivity Commission Report

15 September 2015

IHC welcomes the Productivity Commission’s report stating that tinkering with the system won’t help the needy.

IHC New Zealand has contributed to the report and says it is far wider than politics and goes to the core of how we treat our most vulnerable people.

Janine Stewart, General Manager IHC Programmes, is delighted that the report recognises that early intervention and support is key to getting good outcomes for people.

“This report acknowledges that there is no one size fits all – we need individualised funding and the support to get people through those systems,” says Janine Stewart.

“Supporting a person and family to make their own decisions is fundamental – we want people to get the right support at the right time.

“To date, the way services have been commissioned and contracted has not empowered individuals or their families to be able to make sure their needs are met.

“We are pleased that the report calls for organisations like IHC to be able to work more closely with government departments and engage in a more flexible and open way.”

The report highlights the needs of the most vulnerable New Zealanders – those with complex needs who are unable to navigate the system to coordinate services.

Janine Stewart says that while the report identifies this group as small it includes many of the people that IHC advocates for and supports.

ENDS

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