Mum fears for disabled daughter’s care as axe looms over healthcare provider – Stuff.co.nz

STUFF

Abigail Woods' 30-year-old daughter Ashlea suffers from cerebral palsy, but her mother fears her care is under threat following a restructure at HealthCare NZ.

Snuggling up to daughter Ashlea as she pushes her on a swing in the garden, Abigail Woods is like any other proud parent watching their child have fun.

Like any other parent, except for the extra responsibility she and husband Peter have to keep their girl safe and well.

Ashlea, 30, has cerebral palsy, a debilitating neurological condition that has left her unable to speak and requiring 24-hour care to help her with the most basic of daily activities.

ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF

Abigail Woods fears her daughter Ashlea Woods, who has cerebral palsy, may not get the care she needs if jobs are lost at her health care provider.

While the couple are supported by a team of carers, their safety net is in danger of being cut loose from the shake-up of one of New Zealand's biggest healthcare providers.

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Up to 400 jobs are potentially on the line at HealthCare NZ as part of plans to centralise services in Auckland, the deepest cuts likely to be among regional managers, support co-ordinators and administrative staff.

At least 20 job losses are mooted for the Christchurch area.

While there are promises from chief executive Vanessa Dudley that changes will not affect the direct support families receive, Abigail fears they could leave her daughter as little more than a faceless customer in the system.

ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF

Abigail and her husband Peter are their daughter's primary carers, but get help from up to five support staff each week.

"Without the support of service managers and their team in Christchurch we would be just a number to a company," she told Stuff from her home in Ashburton.

"We wouldn't get that individual, personal service. The care we get is exceptional, and our service manager is like gold."

Privately-owned, taxpayer-funded and run for profit, HealthCare NZ provides home care and support for vulnerable people for a number of district health boards, and manages community housing that offers 24-hour support for people with disabilities.

The Woodschose the firm as Ashlea's care provider five years ago, attracted by its hands-on methods and the presence of a team in Christchurch.

ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF

Abigail is determined to speak out on behalf of people like her daughter who cannot express their own concerns.

As their daughter's primary carers, they are also employed by the company as well as being clients an arrangement funded by ACC.

Sometimes up to five carers a week come in to help, taking Ashlea swimming, offering respite and providing cover if the couple need a break.

But the managers who ensure there are correctly-trained staff ready to help the family, who offer vital administrative support, may now disappear.

"The service will still remain, I understand that I know they are not just pulling it.

"But they are putting it all on the nursing staff, meaning they are less able to offer the support we need."

The company told clients last week of proposals to centralise "behind the scene tasks", Dudley saying it would "increase our ability to spend more time with those we support and less time on administrative tasks".

Jobs are being "disestablished" and "realigned", alongside potential new roles, a HealthCare NZ statement said.

In an email to staff this week, Dudley vowed the shake-up "does not propose we close any branches or lose our local connections I am committed to keeping our presence across the regions".

Acting divisional chief executive Louise Zacest also assured Woods there would be a Christchurch manager specifically focused on supporting clients with 24-hour needs, irrespective of any restructure, and that there was "no plan" to change her daughter's clinical and support team.

Facebook

HealthCare NZ has vowed not to shut local branches, but scepticism was fuelled on Tuesday when a Facebook message by chief executive Vanessa Dudley outlining such promises was removed hours later.

But the promises have been met with scepticism by many, particularly after a Facebook post from Dudley vowing not to shut branches was removed hours after being put up on Tuesday.

The Public Service Association (PSA) union is opposing the proposal, calling on the company to revisit plans and prioritise the needs of staff and those they serve.

Regional PSA organiser Jayne Macfarlane said the plans ignored the value of jobs in the regions and risked losing local knowledge.

"I would hate to think that profit motivation is behind these efficiencies. We are always prepared to help employers get better funding if that's the problem."

HealthCare NZ

Dudley has promised staff and clients HealthCare NZ will retain its regional presence.

Proposals are now out for consultation, any changes likely to take place from May.

"I want it heard for people who can't talk for themselves,"Abigail said."Companies have to pull their necks in sometimes and realise profit is one thing, vulnerable people is another."

Stuff

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Mum fears for disabled daughter's care as axe looms over healthcare provider - Stuff.co.nz