One third of aged care residents depressed
The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) says figures showing nursing home residents are experiencing high rates of depression is a reminder that we need more skilled staff, such as nurse practitioners, in the aged care sector.
ANF federal secretary, Lee Thomas, said that well staffed nursing homes would result in better health for residents as nurse practitioners could recognise and treat mental health issues in aged care residents.
Ms Thomas said the comments of Navitas Health Skills Australia (HAS), that one third of Australia’s 180,000 aged care residents are estimated to be living with depression is a stark reminder that older Australians need specialised care.
HAS indicated that 34.7% of aged care residents experience depression, significantly higher than the 10-15% incidence rate found in the general older population.
Ms Thomas said that depression is not a natural part of ageing and we must ensure that people are not suffering unnecessarily through untreated depression or anxiety.
1,400 extra nurses for NSW over three years
The NSW government will deliver around an extra 1,400 nurses across the state to boost patient care – as part of a $560 million package over three years – endorsed by the state’s nurses.
Nurses will also receive a 9.7% salary increase over the three years to July 2013. Since December 1999 nurses, salaries have increased by 57%, now rising to 66.7% following this agreement.
Premier Kristina Keneally said that the agreement will provide more nurses right across the network and across a broad spectrum of health services.
It will increase the number of nurses rostered in public hospital in-patient wards, extending to palliative care, rehabilitation and, acute adult mental health wards, as well as specialty areas such as emergency departments.
The higher staffing levels will include major referral, metropolitan and rural base and district hospitals, and enhance their ability to meet the changing needs of local communities.
