No delay on ‘one-stop shop’
The federal government says that its ‘one-stop shop’ network will be fully operational from July 1, despite claims that it is behind schedule.
The Department of Health and Ageing has confirmed that despite talk of a hold-up, there will be no delay in the delivery of its one-stop-shop network, as everything is on track, just as it promised it would be.
Recent media reports state that the department’s deputy secretary, Mary Murnane, said that the federal government would not begin its anticipated one-stop shop rollout on July 1 as it was behind schedule. Instead, it is reported, that the new ‘shop fronts’ could be fully operational from October.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Ageing, however told AAA that “there is no delay”.
“Consistent with the A National Health and Hospitals Network for Australia’s Future: Delivering the Reforms publication, the delivery of a network of one stop shops will commence on 1 July 2011 and continue until 2013-2014,” a spokesperson said.
“The initial establishment of a new front end for aged care will specifically target new users and ensuring existing users will be able to continue to use the pathways to aged care they are familiar with.
“Delivery of the new front end for aged care will commence on 1 July 2011. It is a key component of the government’s aged care reforms.”
The department said that the new ‘front end’ will act as a single entry point for older Australians to more easily access information, assessment and care coordination for aged care services.
“The government has heard a consistent and clear message about the need to proceed in a staged way to ensure continuity of services, capacity to support existing services and ability to put in place a long-term solution.
“[We are] also working closely to ensure the new front end for aged care is linked with and complementary to other reforms underway, such as the Service Delivery Reforms being lead by the Department of Human Services and the establishment of Medicare Locals as part of the National Health and Hospital Network agreement.
“In listening to the views of stakeholders the Government has been focusing its attention on the transition arrangements for a new front end.
“This includes the future role and responsibilities of Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres, Aged Care Assessment Teams, Access Points and Home and Community Care Service providers.”
The department said that it will provide more information with regard to implementation and future support for older Australians very soon.
