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I developed a huge new understanding for the challenges disabled people experience when my niece became a tetraplegic in a workplace accident. So when I learned Laura Fergusson was being shut down I began to ask questions. THREAD https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dame-rosie-horton-heartbroken-at-closure-of-auckland-disability-facility/RW2ZWQOKPQVVCB4TXXKEZ7LKXA/
Last December families were told of the closure but asked not to speak about. I think this is threatening vulnerable people. You wouldn't dare say anything in case your loved one didn't get into a decent place.
@radionz @Chuttonnz https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018766232/qc-enters-fight-over-rehab-centre-closure
@radionz @Chuttonnz https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018766232/qc-enters-fight-over-rehab-centre-closure
Covid-19 enabled a quicker closure. Long serving staff were given Laura Fergusson notepads, pen and keep cups as farewell gifts! The Chairman never thanked them for all the kindness, care & commitment to disabled which had earned LFT its reputation. https://bit.ly/38U0Vgw
The Board claims they ran out of money. Yet paid nearly 100k to their Chair of 20+ years (despite founding docs saying no director should be paid) and PWC 475k in 2019. Board hasn't had much renewal, limited diversity, experience, never holds elections! https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/426581/laura-fergusson-trust-questions-raised-over-payments-and-board-tenures
Why should we care? Laura Fergusson was a vital rehab facility and home/community for disabled. Sophia says without it she would have gone to a rest home and that would be wrong for a 19 year old. Others tell me their sad true stories of resthome care.
Thousands of others used Laura Fergusson publicly funded pool and gym (central Epsom location) loved by those who lived there & used for Parkinson & MS classes, stroke programmes, neurological rehab, pulmonary rehab.
Now it's shut and they have nothing. https://bit.ly/36TM2IG
Now it's shut and they have nothing. https://bit.ly/36TM2IG
What can we do? I tried to become a member and got rejected so did many others. Some were asked to fill out a complex questionnaire and then interviewed - why do you want to join LFT? Directors seem to want a closed society. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/430774/laura-fergusson-trust-accused-of-bias-in-membership-applications
Auckland: we can't lose this facility. Money isn't the main problem, it's governance. Wellington and Christchurch work. Auckland has too many disabled, stroke patients & others who need it. It could never be replaced, not in this accessible location. https://bit.ly/2KkDItM
There is another group who need Laura Fergusson, a group often forgotten, the parents who look after their disabled adult children and need respite. LFT was vital for them and it became their community, sharing stories, comfort, learnings. https://bit.ly/3nBwtvF
Sophia said to me disabled are the voice that is the least heard. So we have to stand up when they want our help. Some amazing women fundraised for many years to create/build this facility. Some amazing women worked as physios/nurses rehabilitated people. https://bit.ly/2KkFzie
It's time for MPs to step in, we need help @jacindaardern @AndrewLittleMP @DavidParkerMP @CarmelSepuloni @dbseymour is the local MP. We must stop this site being sold. We are not getting the truth. Disabled people have been failed by this Auckland charity.
