Queensland is already short

The Qld branch of the AMA has told the government to increase capital support for the sector or build facilities itself.

The Queensland branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has told the Commonwealth Government to boost capital support in aged care or build new facilities itself.

The ultimatum follows revelations that Queensland’s largest aged care providers will not apply for stand-alone, non-extra service high care bed licences in the upcoming Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR).

The President of AMA Queensland and Brisbane geriatrician, Dr Chris Davis said the state was “already desperately short” of aged care beds.

He warned that without urgent government action, the situation would worsen as the population continues to age at a rapid rate.

“Queensland cannot afford to lose one more aged care bed, and it is imperative the Federal Government resolves this issue with aged care providers immediately to ensure this does not occur,” said Dr Davis.

“Aged care has been chronically underfunded for a number of years now and the Federal Government now has an opportunity to turn this situation around before it is too late for elderly Queenslanders.”

The Shadow Minister for Ageing, Margaret May also weighed into the debate, accusing Minister, Justine Elliot of not listening to the sector’s concerns.

“The provision of aged care as its presently delivered is unsustainable and the impact of current government policy is driving many providers away from the sector,” Mrs May said.

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