A review of failings in eight Manawatu rest homes has revealed what it describes as serious and extensive problems.
In an analysis of eight previous audits, MidCentral District Health Board found common problems that were systemic rather than isolated.
The audits, covering five rest homes in Palmerston North, two in Feilding and one in Levin, were initiated following complaints about care.
The report says more than half the homes had problems with infection control, clinical observations, quality of care, care plans, clinical records and medicine management.
It says the board's confidence in Government audits of rest homes has been shaken: on the same day that a rest home passed a Ministry of Health audit, it says, a DHB check found major problems with safety and quality of care.
