Grandmother sent home alone after cancer surgery

Acting Health Minister Damien O'Connor has asked officials to look into the case of a cancer-stricken Christchurch grandmother, who was sent home after major surgery without any home help.

The 60-year-old woman Juanita Keys cares for her eight-year-old granddaughter.

Ms Keys, who had three ribs removed because of advancing cancer, said the operation had left her unable to vacuum or mop for about five weeks, The Press newspaper reported today.

Ms Keys, a resident of Lyttelton, near Christchurch, said it had also been hard on the granddaughter she had looked after since birth.

Her case prompted staff at the Lyttelton Health Centre to write to Health Minister Pete Hodgson pleading for more carers.

Their letter said Ms Keys was referred for domestic assistance, but no carers could be found, the newspaper reported.

"She ...had to resort to tying a rope around her washing basket and dragging it one-handed outside to peg up washing with one arm," they wrote.

A factor in the problem is believed to be carers' poor pay rates of around $11 an hour. They are rarely reimbursed for travel costs or time meaning there is little incentive for them to travel to outlying suburban areas.

Groups that offer home help say it is a national problem.

Mr Hodgson is currently overseas, but a spokesman for Mr O'Connor today said he had asked officials to look at Ms Keys' case.

He acknowledged there was a shortage of carers in some areas, but the Government was trying to address problems.

Last week's Budget provided an extra $58 million for home-based support services over the next four years.

- NZPA