Temporary manager installed at rest home

A temporary manager has been installed at a Waikuku rest home after "issues of concern" were raised.

Ashbridge rest home owner and manager Peter Fitt said a temporary manager, appointed by the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), was called in after a complaint about an incident at the home last month.

Fitt would not provide details.

However, he said the allegations were distressing for both him and the residents.

"We are working with the CDHB to see minimal disruption and a timely return to normality for the residents," he said.

"I'm feeling betrayed. To be put through this type of process is hurtful."

Fitt said there had also been an arson attack on the property in January, leaving two vehicles and an equipment shed damaged. The offender had not been found.

He said the family-owned rest home, which has 13 beds, was also his home.

He believed he had built a good reputation for elderly care.

CDHB team leader, planning and funding, Toni Gutschlag said the board had decided to install a temporary manager at Ashbridge after "identification of issues of concern within the facility".

The board was also carrying out an issues-based audit of the home.

"The welfare of residents is our primary concern and we are confident that with the temporary manager, they are being well cared for," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News