NSW commits $7.2 million to get elderly out of hospital beds faster
NSW is spending $7.2 million to help older people recover at home and free up hospital beds.
More than 100 older residents in Illawarra and Shoalhaven are stuck in hospital wards waiting for an aged care bed. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says the state is losing hospital beds to this shortage faster than ever.
NSW is investing $7.2 million into an early intervention pilot. The program will target up to 330 older people a year, starting in early 2027.
It will send allied health workers like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians to people's homes to help them recover and stay independent. The Illawarra region is short more than 1000 aged care beds as demand from older Australians grows.
People stuck in hospital wards, sometimes for months, are taking acute beds needed for surgery and emergency care, delaying treatment across the system.
- $7.2 million
- Investment
- 115 in Illawarra and Shoalhaven as of June
- Stranded patients
- More than 1000 in Illawarra region
- Aged care bed shortage
- Up to 330
- People targeted annually
Why it mattersOlder patients waiting in hospital for aged care cause bottlenecks that delay surgeries and emergency treatment for everyone else. Keeping people at home longer means hospitals can do the work they were built for.
AustraliaNSW residents over 65 facing aged care waits will soon have access to home-based allied health support. The Illawarra is one of the worst-affected regions, with demand growing as the population ages.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
