A Dunedin dementia unit is being forced to close due to severe staffing shortages forcing 16 patients to move.
The unit at Ross Home has 24 beds and requires staff who can provide round-the-clock care.
But the labour shortage has taken a toll with the owner of Ross Home, Presbyterian Support Otago, announcing on Friday the unit was being closed.
"We have had to take the very difficult decision to close our Lindsay unit," CEO Jo O'Neill said. "This means all of Lindsay's 16 current residents will be needing to move to other accommodation that meets their needs, and our priority is ensuring that each resident's transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible."
The Lindsay Unit is a D6 psychogeriatric unit that provides the highest possible level of dementia care.
O'Neill said the unit had been facing a "significant challenge" finding enough specialised staff.
"The Lindsay unit is sadly now in a critical status which means we are unable to provide the care required to our most vulnerable elderly."
Te Whatu Ora Southern's executive director of planning, funding and population, Andrew Lesperance, said he is saddened by the closure of the unit.
"Te Whatu Ora Southern appreciates the closure of the Lindsay Unit will be distressing for residents and their families as well as staff. We are working closely with PSO to ensure a seamless transition of care for residents and their families."
Lesperance said the residents and their families are being well supported by Te Whatu Ora Southern and Presbyterian Support Otago [PSO].
The residents of the unit will be assessed over the coming weeks, which will help them transition to another facility to suit their individual needs.
O'Neill said staff are also a top priority in the closure of the unit.
"Our valued staff members from the Lindsay unit are also a priority and we will be working closely with them to ensure they stay with us at Ross Home, or transition into other roles within PSO if they choose, as we are very keen to keep them in the PSO family."
O'Neill added: "At the heart of this decision is the wellbeing and dignity of our most vulnerable residents and the safety and well-being of our staff."
The closure of the dementia unit will begin at the end of the month.
O'Neill said around 1000 aged care beds have also closed across New Zealand in recent times, largely due to staffing shortages.
