Labour promises health shake-up

Press, 23 June 1981, Page 9

Labour promises health shake-up

PA Wellington Details of the Labour Party’s policy on health care for the elderly — based on the establishment of special teams funded by health authorities — have been released by the Shadow Minister of Health, Dr M. E. R. Bassett. He promised that a Labour government would give health services for the elderly “a, major shake-up" to offer them more practical support to remain in their own homes and communities rather than be institutionalised.

“A Labour government will focus health care for the elderly direct- through hospital ' boards and regional health authorities as well as through charitable organisations." said Dr Bassett.

"Primary health-care teams funded by hospital boards or health authorities will be the focal point in the care of the elderly in the community. Labour will,

therefore, make sure, that there is sufficient social work, nursing, physiotherapy, and other support for the primary health-care teams to enable them to undertake this work effectively," he said. A Labour government would also: •Expand home health-care and supporting social services through community health centres and voluntary agencies, under the auspices of regional health authorities. ©Provide interest-free loans for home modifications so that the elderly may avoid institutionalisation. •Review, with the New Zealand Society of Chiropodists, the method of subsidy payments for chiropody treatment.

©lntroduce out-patient support services on a daycare basis.

•Expand training and research programmes in all aspects of geriatric care.