The Whanganui District Health Board has today received formal notification from the liquidator that he is unable to continue to provide residential care services in Taihape and has disclaimed the contracts.

In his letter to the Whanganui DHB, the liquidator states the closure date for the residential care services will be 12 December 2010.

Whanganui DHB chief executive Julie Patterson said that due to the challenges of operating such a service in a small rural community, the district health board had been expecting and planning for this outcome.

“Since Otaihape Health entered into voluntary liquidation, our primary concern has been the residents and their families” said Mrs Patterson.

“Our staff and the assessment and service coordination teams have been working closely with the families to get the next best option for them and their loved ones.”

“Many families have already made their decision, however some are still considering their options and we will continue to support them to ensure their loved ones have a new home before the closure date.”

Unless the families wish otherwise, all transfer arrangements are being managed and paid for by the district health board.

Mrs Patterson said that for some families who live out of the district, this is an opportunity to move their loved ones closer to them.

“For those residents whose entire families are in Taihape, the closure is devastating for them and social workers and counsellors are available for support” said Mrs Patterson.

In the last six months, no other providers have come forward who are willing to deliver the residential care services in Taihape.

The Whanganui DHB is aware that staff were considering putting in a proposal to continue the residential care services in Taihape.

“Like many members of the community, we would welcome a miracle, but it is really important that any miracle is sustainable and not set up to fail” said Mrs Patterson.

“The reality that they will be able to meet the basic requirements of such a contract, in particular start up funding and working capital, is unlikely, however we will take the time to review any proposals submitted”.

The home based support services and day services for older people, along with all other primary and community health serves, will continue in Taihape.

Discussions with the alternative providers are progressing positively.