Investigators' eye falls once more on elderly care facility

Health officials are investigating a large Auckland elderly care facility that was the subject of a critical report in 2004.

An audit was carried out at Culverden Group, trading as Pasifika Centre and Hospital, in Mangere last week after a complaint.

But officials remain silent over what prompted their investigations at Pasifika, formerly the Culverden Care Centre and Hospital.

Dr Colin Feek, the Health Ministry deputy director-general, said it could not talk until its report was completed next week. "The series of inspections have been carried out to ensure the rest home is putting in place the appropriate steps to meet our concerns.

"The comprehensive inspection came on the back of previous inspections in December 2004 and June 2005."

A 2004 report from the ministry's clinical services directorate obtained by the Herald found the centre had "significant deficits" in several of the required standards. It also found a then-staff member, who claimed to be a psychiatric nurse, had been removed permanently from the nursing register in 1994 as a result of a serious criminal conviction.

The report said investigations were launched after two complaints "and other information".

The complaints had alleged inadequate care of residents and raised questions around the deaths of two residents, both of which were referred to police.

Solicitor Mark Wells, acting for owners Ian and Norma Anderson, said only two points were raised verbally with his clients during last week's audit.

The first related to the painting of a care block's interiors, which Mr Wells said was immediately closed for painting to be completed.

The second related to staff education. "They accept the care was very good, but they just wanted to have a greater degree of education on certain points."

Mr Wells said the issues raised in 2004 were dealt with "straight away" and had been resolved.