Report criticises ACC's handling of sensitive claims

A news report from Radio New Zealand

A scathing report into the Accident Compensation Corporation's handling of sensitive claims has found that it was deficient in dealing with victims of sexual abuse. The report was prepared by an independent panel set up in April to review the clinical process for sexual abuse claims.
Last year ACC introduced a new clinical approach to dealing with victims of sexual abuse. But the report is highly critical of that approach, saying it was implemented with too much haste and without adequate consultation.
The review also says the appropriateness of the type and length of treatments should be looked at, as well as the timeliness and responsiveness of ACC's systems. The panel found that victims access to, and delays in receiving, appropriate care deteriorated significantly after the introduction of the new approach. It also found that ACC's communication with sexual abuse victims and practitioners who deliver treatment and assessment services was often inadequate and inappropriate.
The head of the review, Barbara Disley, says the panel found that the changes were too restrictive. It spoke to victims of sexual abuse who should have been getting access to services but were not.
ACC Minister Nick Smith urged the corporation to adopt the recommendations of the review. Dr Smith says he acknowledges that managing sensitive claims is challenging, but he is not satisfied with ACC's handling of such claims. He says he will be getting an independent monitoring group to ensure ACC implements the report's recommendations.
ACC says it has already begun responding to the report's recommendations.

© 2010 Radio New Zealand
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/56426/report-criticises-acc%27s-handling-of-sensitive-claims