Health Minister calls for greater co-operation in aged care sector

Health Minister Stephen Robertson has called on the Federal Government and the Aged Care sector to come together and work through current funding issues.

“While I am concerned by the Queensland Aged Care Alliance’s decision to place a moratorium on the construction of new high care nursing homes, I am similarly concerned by reports the Federal Government has referred this matter to the ACCC,” Mr Robertson said.

“I fear frail and elderly people will be caught in the cross-fire on this issue and they will not be able to access appropriate and suitable care places.

“Responsibility for aged care has always rested with the Federal Government.

“However, unless all aged care health service providers work together and are properly resourced, then other areas such as acute care in hospitals will come under further pressure.

“In most cases, hospitals are not the most appropriate setting for elderly people to receive ongoing care, but with a growing lack of aged care places it is becoming more common place.

“Every night, there are about 450 frail and elderly Queenslanders staying in acute public hospital beds.

“These people have spent 35 or more consecutive nights occupying an acute hospital bed - when what they really need is support and care in their own home or a nursing home.

“This situation is only set to get worse if the Federal Government and the Aged Care sector don’t come together to find a workable solution.

“Our hospitals should not be used as de-facto nursing homes.”

Mr Robertson’s call for greater co-operation comes ahead of Friday’s Aged Care Ministerial Council in Melbourne.

Contact: Catherine Goldie 0417 728 676