Health New Zealand has confirmed to Chris Lynch Media, it’s working with Ryman Healthcare to examine what happened following the death of Elisabeth Nicholls, whose body was discovered on Sunday after she went missing from the Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village in Riccarton.
A spokesperson for Health New Zealand declined to answer questions from chrislynchmedia.com about why a woman with dementia was placed in a rest home that does not offer dementia-level care.
“We’re unable to answer your specific questions without compromising privacy,” the spokesperson said.
Chiquita Hansen, Health New Zealand Regional Commissioner, said, “We acknowledge the past few weeks have been a truly distressing time for Elisabeth’s loved ones.
“Our thoughts are with them, and we have been assured by Ryman they are providing her family with appropriate support and working closely with Police.
“We will work with Ryman to look into what happened, which is standard practice, but for now our priority is working with Police and family at this difficult time.”
In response to questions from chrislynchmedia.com, a Ryman Healthcare spokesperson confirmed that Margaret Stoddart Village provides only rest home level care and is not equipped to care for residents with dementia.
They said Elisabeth’s initial referral came from the local division of Health New Zealand, which is responsible for assessing care needs.
“Margaret Stoddart Village provides only rest home level care, whereby residents are able to come and go independently,” the spokesperson said.
Elisabeth, who had dementia, was last seen at 6:01pm on Wednesday 4 June. At 6:20pm, staff became aware she may have chosen to leave the premises and began a search.
“A village search was undertaken, including a search of each room, shared space, and the rest home grounds, followed by contacting next of kin,” the spokesperson said. “As is standard protocol, if a resident is still unable to be located, we then contact police.”
Ryman confirmed it was Elisabeth’s first night at the facility and said the reception area is locked at 7:00pm.
The company said protocols were followed and reiterated that the village is not designed or equipped to manage residents requiring dementia-level care and supervision.
Ryman Healthcare Chief Operating Officer Marsha Cadman said, “While formal identification has not yet been made, Ryman, along with our Margaret Stoddart Village team, are terribly saddened by the news that a body has been found in the search for Elisabeth Nicholls.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Elisabeth’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We are supporting our residents and team members in the village and continue to liaise with police.”
