The strained and underfunded healthcare system in New South Wales risks being overwhelmed by ageing and chronically ill patients. That is according to findings released today from a Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding. It is calling for greater investment in preventive services and funding to address ‘healthcare deserts’ in regional areas.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00A system overstretched and underfunded.
00:06An 18-month inquiry into the state's health funding has found critical failures in primary, aged and preventative health care.
00:14At the centre of the issue, a fragmented funding arrangement between the state and federal government.
00:19Without a doubt, the funding model at the moment doesn't reflect what is happening on the ground.
00:25And there's no simpler way to put it.
00:28It's warning more money for public health services is needed.
00:32Universal health care will not exist in this country in years to come unless we can rein it in now.
00:37I was just hoping to do a quick blood pressure.
00:39It also says elderly patients are deteriorating in hospital departments for months instead of being looked after in aged care facilities.
00:47As of March 2025, there were 650 patients in New South Wales hospitals who were past their discharge date and were there simply because there were not enough beds in aged care.
01:01When we've got 10% of hospital beds taken up with aged care residents, it's not where they belong.
01:08The report made 41 recommendations, including more investment into primary and aged care services in communities that lack access, making preventative health care a whole of government priority, including improving coordination between state and federal systems.
01:24It also recommends addressing staffing shortages and burnout in the healthcare workforce.
01:29While the report found a critical need for greater Commonwealth funding, it's urged the state government not to wait for federal support to act.
01:36The health minister has welcomed the report, but he's yet to review its recommendations.
01:41I will be writing next week to Minister Butler. On top of that list, we'll be commencing the discussions to get a resolution around the National Health Reform Agreement.
01:51A resolution that's desperately needed.