9. BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What steps is he taking to ensure that the significant funding boost to the aged residential care sector that is to feature in this year’s Budget is delivered to the aged-care sector in its entirety and in a timely fashion?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
The significant funding boost agreed between the Labour-led Government and the New Zealand First Party will be delivered to providers in a timely fashion. The aged residential care contract review process has already started and is nearly complete, putting us months and months ahead of where we were this time last year.
How confident is the Minister that the funding reserved for aged care in this year’s Budget will be solely used for this purpose, given that some district health boards in the past have diverted such funding elsewhere?
There will be full flow-through, and there is agreement as to the algorithm for calculating that flow-through. The flow-through will occur only if the contracts are signed in time, but so far we are on track.
Darien FentonWhat increases in investment has the Labour-led Government delivered for the aged-care sector; and how will the Minister assure the public that the Government will continue to invest in the health of older New Zealanders?
The Labour-led Government has delivered a 30 percent increase in aged residential care funding since the change of Government. Funding for home-based care funding has at least doubled since the change of Government. Tomorrow’s Budget will lever these figures even higher. I can assure the public that this Government will be able to invest in the health of older New Zealanders because it opposes the reckless tax cuts that are still being called for by National that would mean the slashing and burning of vital public health services.
Jo GoodhewWhy does the Minister continue to blame district health boards, aged-care providers, and anyone but his Government’s lack of funding, for the workforce and funding crises in this sector?
The member clearly did not listen to my answer to the substantive question. I certainly do not blame anyone. Since the change of Government, there has been a 30 percent increase in aged residential care funding, and home-based care funding has more than doubled. These are the sorts of investments that can be undertaken if one does not have reckless tax cuts on one’s mind.
I seek leave to table a newspaper article from the Wanganui Chronicle for Saturday, 23 April, “Petrol costs relief—home support staff still waiting”.
Madam SPEAKERI seek leave to table an article from the Timaru Herald of 2 May, headed: “Care workers still waiting”.