Making a difference in sexual violence prevention

A press release by ACC

A new web based tool has been developed to evaluate sexual violence prevention practice. Developed by ACC, the Making a Difference: Sexual Violence Primary Prevention Toolkit will enable providers of sexual violence prevention activities to measure increases in knowledge, shifts in attitudes and changes in behaviour.
ACC’s Injury Prevention Portfolio Manager – Violence, Mike McCarthy, says the new tool will help agencies focus on primary prevention which is evidence-based, promotes behaviour change and guides funding decisions towards best practise activities.
“Current evaluation of sexual violence prevention is inconsistent and limited to measuring how much participants enjoyed a programme rather than what they got out of it and whether it changed their attitudes and behaviour.”
The development of the Toolkit aligns with ACC’s role as coordinator of the Government‘s response to sexual violence primary prevention activity. It is also an integral part of ACC’s suite of injury prevention initiatives to reduce the incidence of injury and, in this case, harm from sexual violence.
“Our goal is to support children, aged 25 and under, to experience safe, healthy and respectful relationships. As part of our violence prevention initiatives, we want to improve the ability to evaluate sexual violence prevention activities in New Zealand.”
Mr McCarthy says, “If we can stop sexual violence happening in the first place, we won’t need to deal with the consequences of the serious harm sexual violence causes.”
Sexual violence is one of the most costly crimes to individuals and society, with Treasury estimating it costs the New Zealand economy $1.2 billion each year. In the 2015/16 financial year ACC paid over $83 million on over 20,000 sensitive claims, an increase of 31 percent on the previous year. The average cost of sensitive claims increased by 17 percent between 2015 and 2016.
The Toolkit will assist in ensuring sexual violence prevention activity is focused on behaviour change and that funding across government agencies, including ACC, can be targeted towards effective programmes.
The Toolkit will ensure greater consistency in the evaluation of projects across government and community agencies and provide invaluable insights into what works in sexual violence prevention, says Mike McCarthy.

http://www.acc.co.nz/news/WPC139402

Sex abuse victim speaks out

An article from the Wairarapa Times-Age by Geoff Vause

A victim of convicted sex offender Raymond Buchanan, formerly of Masterton, has spoken out for the first time.
The man, now in his thirties and living in Australia, said he would only talk to the Wairarapa Times Age about the impact child rapist Buchanan had on his life, and his shocking neglect by various government agencies in New Zealand. A jury delivered a guilty verdict on all charges for the brutal abuse of two boys at Masterton from 1980 through to 1991 and in February Buchanan appeared before Judge Kit Toogood in Rotorua High Court and was jailed for 12 years.
The man and his brother, also a victim, were complimented by Judge Toogood for the “restrained and careful way” they gave evidence “without exaggeration”. The judge’s thanks was all they got.
Buchanan was ordered to pay $70,000 in reparation to each victim but has paid nothing so far as trustees control his funds. The victim now speaking out said he has somehow managed to remain relatively on track, “not messed up on drugs, staying out of jail” and overcoming the constant thoughts of taking his own life.
“I don’t have any self-confidence at all, I feel embarrassed and ashamed of what has happened,” he said.
He cannot be named, but said the trust controlling Buchanan’s money had refused to negotiate on coughing up a single dollar despite the judge’s order. He said he had been failed at the time not only by his mother but by school authorities and every government agency which could have helped.
His treatment by ACC and other agencies since the offending came to light had been more of the same.
“If somebody hurts themselves at work they go to ACC and get any assistance they need because they can’t work,” he said.
“Even Buchanan will get rehabilitation. He’ll get everything he needs.
“I pay for my own counselling at $187 each visit and I have not had any help. I haven’t been able to afford the last couple of visits and I feel completely ripped off.
“It feels like the criminal gets rehab and the victim gets life just trying to survive each day”.
The counselling was essential to having some semblance of a life. He said the counsellor was stunned he was still alive. His fear of touch, even a cuddle, made it almost impossible to have a relationship.
His cynical treatment at the hands of government agencies in this country was also disturbing.
“Being the main witness they paid for my flights back to New Zealand and a hotel room, but that was it.
“I was left to fund everything else including supporting myself while not working. I even had to refinance my bike to pay for living expenses in Australia.
“ACC said I had to come back to New Zealand and live for at least eight months before they will even look at giving me any help.
“New Zealand is the last place I want to be. I have no good feelings there. I left there so I didn’t do something that would have ended up with me in jail.
“I struggle every day to find some purpose. I’m a hard worker, but I struggle with the mood swings, so it’s hard to keep jobs.
“I just have to get away on my own. I’ve lived in the desert just with a swag for months at a time. I’ve had no help at all.”
When he tried to contact the agencies in New Zealand that could help, he was passed around from one to the other, or they didn’t get back to him.
“They get me to repeat my story, over and over again. It’s cost me heaps in calls, all for nothing. The system is just totally screwed,” he said.
“It’s not about the money. The whole system is backward.
“I’m the victim, left to fend for myself.”

http://times-age.co.nz/sex-abuse-victim-speaks/

Copyright 2016 Wairarapa Times Age

ACC overhauls sexual abuse care service

A news report from Radio New Zealand News by Michael Cropp

The Accident Compensation Corporation has overhauled its sensitive claims service, with its minister saying it made big mistakes in the way it dealt with victims of sexual assaults.
Before 2009, ACC accepted thousands of sensitive claims, but after changes to the system that number plummeted, and in 2011 just 135 claims were accepted.
Survivors' advocate Louise Nicholas said the impact when ACC clamped down on the numbers of claims it accepted was devastating and in some cases victims committed suicide. Support workers no longer wanted to be part of the system, she said.
"We lost hundreds upon hundreds of counsellors who refused to work in such an inhumane system," she said.
"We lost survivors, and I mean literally, lost survivors. So people just backed right off and said 'we don't want a part of this'."
Ms Nicholas had been a member of a panel that worked to overhaul what she said was a highly bureaucratic process which re-traumatised sexual assault survivors and denied them the help they needed. Many struggled with ACC forms asking them what kind of accident they had had - while constant assessments to qualify for assistance wore people down.

More support
Under the new service, that is set to change. There will be a support package for people who have suffered sexual abuse or assault, access to therapy is free and people are covered for longer. People are also able to enter and exit the system for support at any time. As well as the person who was sexually assaulted or abused, family and whānau are also able to seek help free of charge. The form, too, has changed to reflect the sensitivities of the situation.
ACC strategy manager for sexual violence, Emma Powell, said the changes required a big re-think of how ACC dealt with clients.
"It's a tailored response and a tailored approach, trying to put as much control back into the hands of our clients."
The client is able to choose who they see and if things were not working out the Sensitive Claims team would arrange an alternative.
"We talk about the fact that the counsellor-and-client relationship is critical to success, so if it's not working we need to offer ways that people can seek other supports," she said.
The public issues Chair for the NZ Association of Psychotherapists, Kyle MacDonald, worked with sensitive claims clients and helped advise ACC on the changes. He said the new system was much more sympathetic to a survivor's needs.
"I think that ACC have engaged really willingly in the process of recognising that actually the system wasn't working and that they needed to fix it," he said. "they have essentially redesigned a services which looks to address a lot of the concerns raised [in 2012]."
ACC Minister Nikki Kaye, said the old system was not working, and she wanted people to know it had changed.
"There's a lot of work to do, both around how do we prevent these things from happening, but then how do we make sure people are cared for right throughout government," she said.
The Minister said the changes were just the start of a much bigger process, which she hoped would provide better care for survivors and help prevent the violence from happening.

* If you, or someone you know, is affected by sexual violence you can find out more about these services at ACC Find Support site or call the ACC sensitive claims team on 0800 735 566.

© 2015 Radio New Zealand

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/267591/acc-overhauls-sexual-abuse-care-service

ACC launches new recovery service for clients

A press release from ACC

ACC is formally launching its new Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims or ISSC. The service has been underway since November 2014 and provides people who have experienced sexual violence with safe and flexible access to a range of support, assessment and treatment services.
The launch is being held at Te Wharewaka, 15 Jervois Quay, Wellington and will commence at 5pm.
“The service has been significantly improved and re-designed to ensure it’s more client-centric,” says Emma Powell, Strategy Manager Sexual Violence at ACC.
“We listened, acknowledged the issues, engaged with providers, key agencies and made considerable changes based on sector and, most importantly, our clients’ advice,” Ms Powell says.
The launch is intended to raise awareness of the service and the changes that have been made.
Some of the significant differences for clients are:

• ACC is fully funding the service so clients will not be asked to provide a co-payment as in the past
• A greater focus on holistic support and treatment and tailored plans to help clients achieve their individual outcomes
• A new tailor made claim form
• Clients can access the findsupport.co.nz website for information about ISSC, sensitive claims and to find a service provider in their area
• Flexibility in treatment planning – plans can be agreed for up to 12 months.

“There is immediate support available and clients have a range of services they may access depending on their needs. For example, one-to-one counselling, family and whanau sessions, cultural support and group therapy,” Ms Powell says.
The new service has a greater focus on maintaining wellbeing. Following treatment, clients can have up to four sessions per year for up to three years pre-approved and access these directly as needed.
“ACC is committed long-term to this service and will continue to work with the sector and further grow the relationships that have been built up. ACC is committed to understanding the experience of our clients and to ensure we continue to develop the service, improve the service and get it right,” says Ms Powell.

© 2015 ACC

http://www.acc.co.nz/news/WPC137493

Redesigning the Sensitive Claims Service

An extract from a webpage by ACC

This page provides an overview of the information available about ACC’s redesign of our sensitive claims service. Work is well underway and the new service is due to go live in late 2014.

On this page

1. Understanding integrated services
2. Features of the new sensitive claims service
3. The new contract
4. Scenarios (case studies)
5. GETS and the tender
6. Tender training sessions
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Stakeholder updates
9. Contact us

These pages are for current and prospective providers of sensitive claims services. This includes counsellors, social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists.

If you’re an existing sensitive claims client, you won’t see any change in your current service and don’t need to do anything differently.

For information on the current service visit our sensitive claims section under Making a Claim.

Click here to read more.

http://www.acc.co.nz/for-providers/sensitive-claims-service-redesign/index.htm

Herald on Sunday wrong to claim ACC cutting counselling support

A press release from ACC

An incorrect claim was made in the article “Alarm over depression therapy cuts” that appeared in the Herald on Sunday on 28 July.
The article wrongly stated that “the ceiling on [ACC] therapy sessions may be cut from 16 to as low as four.”
ACC will not be reducing the 16 hours of counselling support available to people who make a claim for mental injury as a result of sexual abuse or sexual assault.
The sensitive claims service redesign currently underway is about ensuring all people with sensitive claims receive the services they need. It is not about reducing services.
Next month ACC will be running a number of stakeholder meetings to get input and feedback on the proposed new high-level service design. Later this year we will also conduct a nationwide roadshow to explain the new service design to sensitive claims providers.
Our media team has contacted the Herald on Sunday today to request a correction. ACC is concerned that current clients of sensitive claims services could be alarmed by the article, and we have asked a range of provider groups for their help in letting clients know the information is incorrect.

http://www.acc.co.nz/news/WPC118907

ACC chair on independent review of ACC privacy

A press release from ACC by Paula Rebstock

ACC and the Board want to thank the authors for the work they have done and the considered way they have presented the findings.
We will be implementing the recommendations made in full.
On behalf of the Board and ACC, I undertake that we will respond to the challenge before us.
ACC has a clear sense of purpose which is to help individuals, communities and businesses return to independence after accidents. The events over the last six months have raised profound questions about our management of information.
ACC must show customers and stakeholders that change is occurring, that we are responding quickly and that we can demonstrate that people’s personal information is being treated with the care and respect it deserves.
We need processes that help minimise errors with safeguards to provide checks and back-ups. If something does go wrong, we must have systems to respond quickly and appropriately, and just as importantly, we need to find out what went wrong so we can try to prevent it happening again.
The responsibility for this sits with the Board and Management of ACC to provide our people with the environment, tools and processes they need to manage information appropriately.
The review outlines seven broad areas for improving systems and processes with a series of detailed recommendations under each. Just as important, we need strong leadership, the right culture and unquestionable commitment to privacy – and that starts with the Board.
I would also like to acknowledge the work of the Auditor General and the Inquiry Report that was released today into aspects of ACC’s Board-level governance following the breach.
The OAG report recognises the critical importance of having clear and detailed protocols for dealing with communication between Board members and clients.
We accept the conclusions and will incorporate all the OAG recommendations to ensure our practices, training and Governance Manual underpin and support sound governance practice. This includes how the Board and management address any allegations of improper conduct.
The Board is clear about its responsibility and has undertaken to implement the measures in the Auditor General’s report.
Both the Independent Review of ACC and the Auditor General’s report will form part of a programme of work against which ACC can be measured.
We have put in place a structure to lead this work, and we will engage external specialist advice to help plan and prioritise the work ahead of us.
ACC will work closely with the Privacy Commissioner to measure and monitor progress on implementing the recommendations which include regular public reporting of results.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1208/S00352/acc-chair-on-independent-review-of-acc-privacy.htm

ACC sensitive claims provider survey results

An article from ACC

The results of the ACC Sensitive Claims Provider Survey on progress towards implementing the recommendations of the 2010 independent review of the sensitive claims clinical pathway are now available:

ACC Sensitive Claims Provider Survey Results (PDF 214K)

Thank you to all those providers who took the time to complete the survey.

http://www.acc.co.nz/news/WPC113455

Monitoring report on sensitive claims management released

A press release by ACC

The second independent monitoring report of ACC’s management of sensitive claims, prepared for the ACC Board by Dr Barbara Disley, was released publicly today.
The report follows an interim monitoring report released in May 2011, and assesses the progress ACC has made implementing recommendations made by an independent panel, which reviewed ACC’s sensitive claims clinical pathway in 2010.
The recommendations covered a wide range of actions, from improving communications with clients, to working closely with sector representatives to refine ACC’s systems and processes, and examining ways to ensure treatment and assessment is carried out by a well qualified, fit-for-purpose workforce.
Dr Disley found ACC has made excellent progress implementing one recommendation and good progress on another six recommendations. Some progress was noted on five recommendations, with progress on one recommendation assessed as “limited”. The final recommendation, involving establishing a process to independently monitor progress, was assessed as having been “achieved”.
Dr Disley sought in-depth input from ACC to compile the report, which was also informed by:
• an online survey of clients and service providers
• interviews with service providers and representatives of professional bodies
• feedback from the Department of Child, Youth and Family.

Summing up the findings of the report, Dr Disley said “In the 18 months since the initial, independent review, ACC has made significant changes to the way it deals with sensitive claims, and these changes have seen considerable progress achieved in many areas.
“There’s still work to be done in some areas, and my report contains recommendations on how ACC can continue to make progress towards fully implementing the original recommendations made by the independent review panel.”
ACC’s General Manager of Claims Management, Denise Cosgrove, says the report provides a fair assessment of progress to date.
“We’ve worked hard to make many different types of changes aimed at improving services for our clients. I’m pleased that the report recognises the progress we’ve made in many areas. We acknowledge there’s still work to be done, but we’re committed to full implementation of the recommendations and keeping the momentum going by making ongoing improvements, and we’ll be seeking the right support to help us do that.”
Ms Cosgrove added that “a key focus for ACC moving forward is our commitment to client care and safety.”
A copy of the final report can be found here: Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations from the Independent Panel’s Review of the ACC’s Sensitive Claims Clinical Pathway: 18 Months Follow up (PDF 525K) [Scoop copy: wpc112862.pdf]

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1207/S00195/monitoring-report-on-sensitive-claims-management-released.htm

Interim board chair welcomes new priorities set for ACC

A press release from ACC

ACC’s interim Board Chair Paula Rebstock says ACC is a unique, no fault comprehensive Kiwi accident insurance scheme that we all pay for so people can get help if they have an accident.
“People expect and want us to be professional and respectful in the way we provide services to the public – that is what the Government’s priorities reflect and it’s the role of the ACC board and management to deliver that.”
The new priorities are:
• improved trust and confidence
• improved management and security of private information
• maintaining a focus on levy stability and financial sustainability
• providing high quality services for clients
• ensuring early resolution of disputes
• reporting on the performance of the accredited employer programme.

ACC has developed specific measures and performance targets relating to these priorities, which are outlined in the Service and Purchase Agreement 2012-15.
“The clear message in the Statement of Intent and the Service and Purchase Agreement is that there is a new set of priorities,” says Ms Rebstock.
“The Board and management of ACC understand we have to earn the trust and confidence of New Zealanders and we’re committed to doing that.”
Ms Rebstock says the way ACC manages people’s personal and private information is the subject of a large body of work that has only just begun, and there will be a lot more detail on that when the Privacy Commissioner and the Board complete the independent review of ACC systems and processes.
“We have been set some very clear targets and objectives to improve not only what we do, but how we do it.
“ACC is working to get better results for the injured, better support for levy payers and improve the relationship with the health sector. We will achieve this by investing equally in developing the capability of our people and supporting them with world class operating systems,” says Ms Rebstock.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1206/S00389/interim-board-chair-welcomes-new-priorities-set-for-acc.htm

ACC chief executive Ralph Stewart stepping down

A press release from ACC

ACC Chief Executive Ralph Stewart has today announced that he is stepping down from his position.
The following statement was released to staff at ACC a short time ago.
Mr Stewart will not be making further comment and is not available for interviews.

Good people
The events of recent days and the departure of our Chairman and a number of our Directors, has brought me to the point where I have decided to step down as CEO.
This has been an incredibly hard decision to take and one that I have considered very carefully.
In the relatively short time I have been here I have quickly come to respect ACC’s people, purpose and commitment to supporting the New Zealand way of life. I am deeply frustrated that the benefits of the scheme and the great work we do has been overshadowed by recent events.
You have made great strides on our plan to transform ACC. I’m going to ask you all to keep faith with the plan, which I know is supported by the Minister and has been supported by the Board for many years. Clear and deliberate focus on our customer, the quality and value we add, combined with world class operating performance is the way forward for ACC. It needs all of the team working together to achieve success.
You are a fabulous team, delivering real value for New Zealand. Please don't be distracted by the current events, our key ambition is to ensure that ACC is strong and capable for the future generations we have talked about so often.
I will keep you all informed about developments and the appointment of a new Chief Executive. My focus now is on ensuring a smooth and orderly transition and I will continue to share with you further through our weekly video.
Regards
Ralph

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1206/S00169/acc-chief-executive-ralph-stewart-stepping-down.htm

ACC board endorse governance inquiry

A press release from ACC

John Judge, Chairman of the ACC board says that on behalf of the board he supports the Inquiry by the office of The Auditor General into how ACC manages risk at the board level.
"The ACC board, in conjunction with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, has already commenced a review of the recent privacy breach and a complete review of the privacy polices and procedures at ACC. The inquiry into board governance by the Auditor General adds another positive element to ensuring there is a complete review of all issues relating to privacy at ACC. The ACC board endorses and supports the Auditor General's review."

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1204/S00069/acc-board-endorse-governance-inquiry.htm

Next step is ACC privacy team

A press release from ACC

ACC has established a dedicated 0800 number and team of specialist staff to respond to questions following the recent privacy breach.
Last week ACC Chief Executive Ralph Stewart apologised unreservedly to all the clients affected. “Our first step was to contact all of those clients and that’s now almost completed,” he said today.
“Our next step has been to set up this specialist privacy team with a dedicated 0800 number. They’ll be managing any concerns, questions or complaints that clients or the general public may have about ACC’s management of personal information.
“The team will be able to respond to questions regarding any instances where a client’s information may have been released in error. It is very important, that in situations where private information has been mistakenly sent to an unintended person or organisation, it is recovered as quickly as possible. We know how distressing it’s been for any clients to have this happen and it’s our responsibility to ensure we’re taking steps to put it right.
“Following on from here we are now working closely with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, to complete the plan for a thorough review,” said Mr Stewart.
To contact the specialist privacy team, call 0800 745 254. The team is available 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1203/S00253/next-step-is-acc-privacy-team.htm

ACC media privacy update

A press release from ACC

ACC apologises for the release of some client information. It was a regrettable breach of process. No personal information about individual client's case histories was in the document. It was sent to one ACC client. The information has been destroyed and we have received a signed affidavit that it has been.
In December, when it came to ACC's attention, we formally advised the client to return to us any information they may have held. The client would not respond. Until today, they would not confirm that they had any confidential information.
These are difficult cases because many people make allegations to us that they are in receipt of confidential information. We investigate when we have specific information. In this case, we wish we had done more.
We are currently communicating with all clients who were affected to apologise to them.
We continue to review our process and we again repeat our regret that this breach occurred.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1203/S00461/acc-media-privacy-update.htm

ACC on privacy issue

A press release from ACC

ACC takes the privacy of its clients’ information extremely seriously. Our first action this morning is to locate where the information allegedly released is being held and secure it as quickly as possible.
ACC will be providing updates throughout the day.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1203/S00146/acc-on-privacy-issue.htm

ACC SCU provider update - November 2011

http://www.acc.co.nz/PRD_EXT_CSMP/groups/external_providers/documents/reference_tools/wpc096628.pdf

Sensitive claims provider update released

A news item from ACC

The first edition of the Sensitive Claims Provider Update has been released. The update is our way of better communicating with our Sensitive Claims providers.

The update covers a number of areas, including:
• Modified process for clients returning to counselling
• Nationwide provider information-sharing roadshows
• Forms, codes and invoicing for returning to counselling
• Update on support sessions

To view the update, see the Sensitive Claims Provider Update – June 2011 (PDF 122K).

http://www.acc.co.nz/news/WPC094789

Sensitive claims - return to counselling update

A news item from ACC

From 27 June 2011 ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit has modified the process for clients with an accepted claim returning to ACC for treatment counselling. The aim is for a more client-centred approach using processes and reporting tools that are clear and well understood by providers. How the process works:

 • Clients can return to counselling by notifying ACC directly, either by referral from their GP or via an ACC-registered counsellor who completes an ACC719 Initiate Return to Counselling Report.

• Four treatment counselling sessions will be approved for the counsellor, during which the client and counsellor will gather information to complete an ACC720 Therapeutic Assessment and Planning Report. This form should be received by ACC no later than eight weeks after counselling starts.

• On receipt of the ACC720, ACC determines the next steps after considering the report’s recommendations. Up to 16 sessions of treatment counselling can be approved at this point.

• Progress reports are required mid-way and on completion of the approved treatment counselling sessions. Use the ACC291 Progress/Completion Report form for these progress reports.

• The Completion report is reviewed by ACC’s Sensitive Claims Unit and further treatment may be approved. Internal peer review may be requested to help determine the next steps in the recovery process.

Click here to read more.

Encouraging progress on ACC sensitive claims

A press release from ACC

An independent report for the ACC Board has found that ACC is making good progress implementing changes to its management of sensitive claims.
Prepared by Dr Barbara Disley, who chaired a review of ACC sensitive claims in 2010, the report finds that ACC has made progress in a number of important areas and those are already delivering improved services to clients.
ACC General Manager Denise Cosgrove said that, as a starting point, ACC had focused on four priority areas, which were:
• ensuring immediate access to support for clients, through the 16 hours of support sessions
• improving working relationships with people working in the sexual abuse field
• developing specific services for children and Maori clients
• putting in place a comprehensive work plan for the broader changes that were agreed.
“We’ve worked really hard to implement changes that ensure our clients have fast access to effective support. These changes have also helped us strengthen positive relationships with clients and providers, and that will hold us in good stead for the future”, Ms Cosgrove said.
Report author, Dr Barbara Disley, said she was “satisfied with progress to date and had encouraged ACC to continue working closely with clients and providers to ensure the end-to-end process meets client needs, is timely and of a high quality. I will be reviewing progress again in 12 months and would expect to see all of the initial review’s recommendations being implemented by that time”.
The report notes that there has not yet been enough time to implement all of the review panel’s recommendations, but that ACC has done a good job prioritising the most important tasks first.
“The report does find some areas that still require attention and urges ACC to continue working with sector groups on those. We intend to do so”, Ms Cosgrove said.
A copy of the report can be found at acc.co.nz/news.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00427/encouraging-progress-on-acc-sensitive-claims.htm

ACC statement regarding sensitive claims client

A press release from ACC

There are three distinct issues in this situation.
The first is the general management of the client’s claim, and ACC will be providing a report to the Minister on this. If any problems are identified we will absolutely address those for the client.
The second is whether there has been any inappropriate access to the client’s information. We will also investigate this. Separately, Dr Jansen has also requested we do so.
The last issue is about private legal action related to comments made on a blog. ACC continues to have no comment to make on this issue. Media queries on this should be referred to Izard Weston.
ACC will be making no further comment on this matter at this stage.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1104/S00509/acc-statement-regarding-sensitive-claims-client.htm