Cutbacks in health board are being planned and it is being feared that if this happens then elderly lot in Otago and Southland would be deprived of help.

Reports say that at these places, DHBs are overspending on community-based support services. Following this house cleaning services will be stopped for people who do not need any help. More changes are being speculated.

According to age concern Otago executive officer Susan Davidson little help can be very beneficial for old people. She added that this help can make them leave their house without worrying for things or remain stuck inside the four walls.

She says that elderly lot need help and can not work due to reasons associated with their health like arthritis etc. she feels that for appealing against these cuts and loss of service, DHBs would give a chance to people.

In Otago over 2,400 people received up to two hours help a week.

Health minister Tony Ryall yesterday further approved plans for DHBs of Otago and Southland being merged.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) executive director Ian Powell not supporting this move said, “Ryall has approved the merger and has effectively ignored warnings from senior doctors and nurses that clinical services in Southland will continue to be run down.”