Federal Budget Must Recognise Key Role Of Nurses For Aged Care Reform

For immediate release

Federal Budget Must Recognise Key Role of Nurses for Aged Care Reform

As the Federal Budget draws near, RCNA is urging the Australian Government to further invest in the services of nurses, as a key strategic measure to cope with the demands of an ageing population.

One of RCNA's key concerns addressed in a pre-Budget submission is the need for reform in aged care. The submission warns that the Government must expand specialised nursing roles across aged care before the national health system will experience real reform.

As confirmed by Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan's recently released Intergenerational report 2010, the increasing pressure of our ageing population demands real, practical solutions, not just in fiscal terms, but also health system reform.

"Like all Australians, we are very concerned that our health system is not equipped to accommodate the often comprehensive needs of our rapidly expanding, ageing population," said RCNA's Chief Executive Officer, Debra Cerasa FRCNA.

RCNA recommends that health care dollars be allocated to funding incentives that will draw more specialist nurses into aged care. It also advises new funding models be examined that will enable nurse practitioners to provide services across aged care.

"Patching holes in the system is not the answer. We need bold, innovative, systemic health care reform to address the needs of the Australian population in 2010 and beyond," said Ms Cerasa.

"Nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses are able to work across all aged care settings. They have the expertise to provide holistic care, lead cross-sector health care teams and really deliver on the health reform agenda.

"We are now calling for broader utilisation of these highly skilled nurses to help ease the pressure on aged care and avert a health care crisis," Ms Cerasa said.

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Media contact
Hannah Collett
Communications Officer
Royal College of Nursing, Australia
Ph: (02) 6215 8317

SOURCE: Royal College of Nursing, Australia