The NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA) is calling on the NSW Government to invest in state-owned and run residential aged care facilities to free up beds in public hospitals as it attempts to bolster its argument for a wage increase for its members.
A Rapid Business Case, prepared with consultants Deloitte, states the move would deliver annual cost savings of $233.4 million, and also conveniently supports the union's case for a 15% pay rise for nurses and midwives.
“The report... shows there are savings to be made if the government reinvested in state-owned and run residential aged care facilities," said NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites.
"This would reduce bed block inside public hospitals and provide more permanent and appropriate accommodation for hundreds of elderly patients currently being left in acute hospital beds."
Last week, we reported there were 429 older patients in NSW hospitals ready to be discharged, but unable to leave hospital as there was no aged care bed available for them.
The Rapid Business Case also reveals that NSW hospitals aren't claiming Commonwealth funding for all the services they provide, meaning they are missing out on $370.4 million in Commonwealth funding they are entitled to.
“Through a combination of increased revenue and a series of savings, we believe there is no valid reason for the state government to refuse our claim," Michael said.
However given the NSW Government has sold or shifted all of its public aged care facilities to the joint Federally funded Multipurpose Service model in recent years, the push seems unlikely to succeed.
