Health NZ contract cuts put 1200 Auckland home
Health NZ is planning to cut contracts with community-based providers in Auckland, potentially resulting in the loss of 1,200 support worker jobs. This change threatens the continuity of care for over 4,500 elderly and disabled residents who rely on these long-term support relationships.
Why it matters
The restructuring raises significant concerns about the quality of care for vulnerable populations and the stability of the community health workforce.
Older and disabled people across Auckland could lose their trusted support workers, as Health NZ looks to cut community provider contracts. Photo / 123rf
At-home care for older and disabled people across Auckland is changing hands with over 1200 support workers potentially losing their jobs as Health NZ plans to cut contracts to community-based providers.
Frontline support workers, such as nurses and care coordinators, go into the homes of older and vulnerable people and provide them with vital care such as helping them to shower properly, ensuring they’ve eaten that day and are taking their medication properly.
The contracts are worth tens of millions of dollars for not-for-profit providers Visionwest, Lifewise and Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) and support over 4500 older people and disabled people across Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitematā.
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