A health board is instigating management changes at a Lower Hutt rest home being investigated over allegations of abuse and neglect.
The Woburn Masonic Care home. Photo: Woburn Masonic Care Trust
The Hutt Valley District Health Board intervened at Woburn Masonic Care home after an audit earlier this month exposed concerns.
The board has been investigating the 57-bed home for several months.
After the investigation began the Masonic Villages Trust announced plans to close and rebuild the home, saying said the decision was not linked to the inquiry.
DHB investigators met with residents and staff on 2 December resulting in a briefing to the health board.
"The verbal report raised concerns for the DHB and they asked us to make some interim management changes while the report is finalised and details are worked through with all parties," said a memo from Masonic Care chief executive Warick Dunn.
A new temporary manager to provide "additional management support" and short-term clinical management support from the DHB were being brought in.
The home has added a Masonic Trusts' employee in regular management, and two DHB personnel in clinical support.
The final audit report is expected to be completed by 20 January.
A source told RNZ that 17 people made submissions to the investigation audit.
Dunn said the final report in January would be discussed with staff, residents and their whānau.
"Hutt Valley DHB will continue to work closely with the facility to ensure expectations around service provision standards and resident-centred care are met," Dunn said in a statement.
He declined an interview.
Five formal complaints - four last year and one this year - were closed off by the Health and Disability Commissioner who passed them to the DHB to look into further.
They alleged rough handling of residents and neglect when residents were in pain.
The home stated it had made important changes to support residents and families.
Last year, 132 complaints in total were lodged against certified healthcare providers in New Zealand.
