Source : Perth Now news
The NSW Labor government will splash more than $7m on early intervention for elderly patients, as they continue to fill NSW’s beleaguered public hospitals.
The government has called on the federal government to do more to address bed block, a process in which patients awaiting commonwealth aged care or NDIS services remain stranded in state hospitals.
In an attempt to curb the crisis, the state government will invest $7.2m in an early intervention allied health pilot aimed at helping elderly patients recover safely at home, rather than going to the hospital.
Up to 330 people with chronic or complex needs will receive support, such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, each year under the pilot.
Recipients will also be eligible for help from pharmacists, dietitians, speech pathologists, and social workers, with the aim of supporting mobility, cognition, fall risk, and more.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park the number of people waiting for commonwealth aged care placements in NSW public hospitals “represents one of the most significant public health crises facing state health systems around Australia”.
“But we simply cannot wait for the Commonwealth because we are losing more and more hospital beds to the aged care bed shortage faster than ever before,” he said.
“That’s why the Minns Labor government has made the decision to intervene investing in early intervention allied health to help older people avoid hospitals.
“We must continue to look at ways to support our community to stay fit, healthy and independent and remain at home.”
The pilot program is due to get underway in early-2027.
It will involve home visits, community-based care, and virtual care, and will also work with older patients transitioning from hospital to in-home care.
Locations for the pilot will be confirmed in coming months, while potential patients will be identified through a clinical assessment and referral.
The NSW government has faced pressure over its public hospitals, which are among some of the country’s busiest.
Data from the Bureau of Health Information found more than 1300 patients who no longer needed care but were awaiting commonwealth aged care or NDIS support were stranded in NSW public hospitals.
NSW Health estimates that number could reach as much as 1700 by June 2027.
For its part, the federal government – which has responsibility for commonwealth programs, but not public hospitals – has sought to massively overhaul aged care and the NDIS.
However, it has faced pushback from some state governments, namely Queensland.
