Key Takeaways
- A personal grievance has been filed against Oxford Court rest-home, citing an unsafe work environment and daily bullying.
- The grievance alleges that staff were subjected to screaming, gossiping, and threats, and were forced to work with an unsafe staff-to-resident ratio.
- The rest-home has been under scrutiny recently, with multiple complaints about care and treatment of residents and staff.
- The Health Minister has responded to concerns, stating that the government is responsible for the welfare of aged-care facilities and that an audit has been conducted to identify areas for improvement.
- The company operating the rest-home has rejected the claims, stating that it is committed to delivering high-quality care and ensuring the dignity and wellbeing of its residents and staff.
Introduction to the Issue
A personal grievance has been filed against Oxford Court rest-home, alleging that the complex was unsafe and that bullying was a daily occurrence. The person who filed the grievance, who wishes to remain anonymous, has spoken out about their experience, describing it as one of fear and constantly being on edge. They claim that almost every hour, they would hear screaming at staff members, inappropriate talking, and gossiping about staff in front of them. This behavior, they say, made residents feel uncomfortable and created a toxic work environment.
Allegations of Bullying and Harassment
The person who filed the grievance alleges that threats were made about getting people fired, and that staff were told they could not be friends with fellow workers on social media as it would blur work relations. They also claim that there were many times when personal safety was an issue, and that residents’ family members would often approach them to ask if they were okay. The person believes that it is an understatement to say that bullying occurred on a daily basis, and that staff were often asked to work with an unsafe staff-to-resident ratio. These allegations are serious and highlight the need for a safe and respectful work environment, particularly in a care setting where vulnerable residents are dependent on staff for their wellbeing.
Previous Incidents and Complaints
The rest-home has been under the spotlight recently, with multiple complaints about care and treatment of residents and staff. Brooke Carman, a former employee, has also filed a personal grievance against Oxford Court over her treatment before she was dismissed. She has written to Health Minister Simeon Brown about her concerns, and he has replied, stating that although staffing issues are the responsibility of the employer, the government is responsible for the welfare of aged-care facilities. Mr. Brown has also stated that Health New Zealand has received similar concerns via the Health Integrity Line, the Health and Disability Advocate, and HealthCERT, and that an audit was conducted on December 9-10 to identify areas for improvement.
Response from the Health Minister and the Company
The Health Minister has assured that Health New Zealand will follow up to ensure that the findings of the audit are addressed promptly and that the required improvements have been made. However, the company operating the rest-home, New Zealand Aged Care Services Ltd, has rejected the nature and scope of the claims. The company has stated that it is committed to delivering high-quality care and that ensuring the dignity and wellbeing of its residents and staff remains its highest priority at all times. Despite this, the allegations of bullying and harassment, as well as the concerns about care and treatment, raise serious questions about the management and operation of the rest-home.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The allegations against Oxford Court rest-home are serious and highlight the need for a safe and respectful work environment, particularly in a care setting. The fact that multiple complaints have been made and that an audit has been conducted suggests that there are significant issues that need to be addressed. The Health Minister’s response and the company’s rejection of the claims suggest that there may be a lack of accountability and transparency in the management of the rest-home. It is essential that the concerns of staff and residents are taken seriously, and that prompt action is taken to address the issues and ensure that the rest-home is providing high-quality care and a safe and respectful environment for all.