-
Source: Photos.com
Nurses welcomed news the government may investigate high level of cash reserves held by primary health organisations (PHOs) and want funding for residential aged-care to receive similar attention.
It was reported on Monday that about $115 million of public money was being held by PHOs in either cash or investments.
The money is supposed to be spent by health clinics on public health programmes with a non-profit intent, and Health Minister Tony Ryall said the issue needed to be investigated.
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) today called on the Government to put the same accountability requirements in residential aged-care funding.
The government provided residential aged-care providers with funding increases regularly, NZNO industrial adviser Rob Haultain said.
The money was intended for wages but was instead used to fund capital development, shareholder payouts and profit, he said.
"We have been asking for accountability for this funding for years."
