25 Jul 2009

Change to Meals on Wheels reversed

10:13 am on 25 July 2009

An unpopular decision by the South Canterbury District Health Board to change its daily Meals on Wheels service to a frozen food delivery has been reversed after public pressure.

The DHB wanted to stop delivering fresh, hot meals each day and instead send a stockpile of frozen meals to clients every few days.

The change would have saved up to $40,000 per year.

But those involved in the service protested the change, writing letters to the board and to a newspaper.

They were concerned that some people would not be able to manage the preparation of frozen meals and that ceasing daily contact with those in need would be detrimental.

The DHB now says the proposal was a mistake, saying it's listened to the people and accepted a daily hot food service was preferable.