10 Oct 2008

Spot checks planned for resthomes

3:18 pm on 10 October 2008

The Government says it is moving to improve quality of care and safety for those in aged residential homes.

Earlier this year, the Belhaven Resthome in Auckland was closed after a resident was found with her mouth taped shut.

The Belhaven incident led to complaints about several other resthomes, with temporary managers being installed in three cases.

The Minister of Health has now announced there will be unannounced spot audits of resthomes in future, beyond the present cycle of such checks.

The public will be able to see audit information for resthomes on the ministry's website.