Seniors say go even further on health
While it backs the basic principles of the Prime Minister’s health reform package, National Seniors Australia (NSA) have told the Prime Minister and the Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, that NSA believes it does not go far enough.
NSA want the Federal Government to take over the entire health system from the states.
NSA believes that a partial Federal intervention will be insufficient to revive the very inadequate and inefficient system of health services that currently does not meet the needs of Australians.
It will also add an extra level of public servants who will absorb too much of the funding that should be used to directly benefit patients.
“National Seniors consistently urged the Howard Government to make a total national takeover of state hospitals,” NSA chairman, Everald Compton said.
“The time has now come to take decisive action on the matter. We have advised the Prime Minister that there are major issues of importance to seniors that must be addressed, but are not currently spelled out in his reform package.”
Some of the recommendations include:
- Availability of beds, both public and private
- Reduction of waiting lists for surgery
- Provision of more aged care beds, particularly sub acute beds, so that seniors are not occupying beds needed for acutely ill patients
- A long overdue revolution in dental care
- A more sustainable model for aged care funding so as to provide more nursing homes and create a significant expansion of respite care.
