'Stranded patients' in NSW hospitals prompts call for change
New South Wales must think outside the box to stop the number of "stranded" aged care patients in hospitals from getting out of control, says the state's productivity commissioner.
The number of patients stranded in NSW hospitals while awaiting placement in aged care facilities could skyrocket to over 7,000 within a decade, according to a new report from the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission. Currently, NSW requires an additional 2,600 aged care beds annually to meet future demand, but projections indicate a mere 660 beds will be delivered.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced a $28 million pilot program to alleviate the situation, which may encompass funding for clinical care, wound care, symptom management, personal care, and domestic assistance. The report underscores that the costs associated with stranded patients exceed $1 billion annually, with the Australian government recommended to enhance aged care funding for sustainable development and increased supply response.
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