Only 81% of aged care homes have 24/7 RN coverage, according to the latest data from the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Last Thursday, the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells publicly said 86% of facilities have a nurse on site 24/7.

But accountancy firm Grant Thornton’s National Head of Health and Aged Care, Darrell Price, told The Australian that at 81%, the result only reflects a “marginal” improvement since the Minister said in July last year that 80% of facilities had met the 24/7 RN requirement.

Darrell added that the sector could have achieved greater RN coverage if the Government had directed more resources towards recruiting RNs.

“This government promised Australians we would restore dignity to aged care residents and our first month with 24/7 nursing has revealed a major increase in care with Registered Nurses in residential homes for 23.5 hours a day,” the Minister said last week.

The SOURCE: The 81% figure excludes providers that have applied for exemptions, so the actual percentage of homes with 24/7 RN coverage is lower.