Call to raise minimum staffing levels for elderly care

A 10,000-signature petition supporting the call for minimum staffing levels at old people's homes will being presented to Health Minister David Cunliffe today.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and the Service and Food Workers Union: Nga Ringa Tota are calling on the Government to legislate to address the serious need for minimum staffing levels in residential aged care facilities.

NZNO chief executive Geoff Annals said that 2005 Ministry of Health guidelines for minimum staffing levels were only voluntary.

Actual staffing levels routinely fell well below these and there was no way they could be enforced, he said.

"Short staffing leads to nurses and caregivers becoming overworked, stressed and unable to deliver the kind of care they know their residents deserve."

Experienced aged caregiver Vee Bryce said the current guidelines meant providers were not required to staff facilities at a safe level needed for the elderly.

"Surely the urgent need for mandatory staffing levels based on what the residents need makes sense. This is about keeping the elderly safe."

- NZPA