NT Health Minister urges swift action on 120-bed aged care facility
The calls come as Darwin hospitals struggle with bed shortages, costing taxpayers millions each year
The Northern Territory government has welcomed the Commonwealth’s long-awaited move to open expressions of interest for a new NT aged care facility, calling for the process to be completed with urgency.
Health Minister Steve Edgington said it was good to see federal Labor deliver on its promise for a 120-bed facility in the Greater Darwin Region, but said construction must begin soon.
“The Commonwealth has set a three year construction deadline, but we will be advocating for it to be built as soon as possible,” Mr Edgington said.
“The Country Liberal Party wants the EOI completed so construction can start – we have offered land near Palmerston Regional Hospital, so let’s get on with the job.”
Every day, up to 80 hospital beds are filled by patients who should be in aged care, costing Territory taxpayers $40 million a year.
“Getting this new aged care facility up and running will crucially ease pressures at Royal Darwin Hospital,” Mr Edgington said.
“Up to 80 aged care patients are stuck in hospital beds because there simply aren’t any aged care places available. This ‘bed block’ ripples through the system, causing longer waits in our emergency departments and putting pressure on care for everyone.”
The Australian government will invest up to $60 million to build the new aged care home.
Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling has said more older Australians in Darwin would be able to access “the world-class residential aged care they deserve.”
“This new home will help reduce the number of older Territorians experiencing delayed discharge from our hospitals,” he said.
“It will give more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders access to culturally safe care that allows them to stay close to their families and Country as well those people with complex and higher care needs.”
Mr Gosling said he expected construction to begin in the dry season next year, and that part of the EOI review process would looking at applicants’ ability to deliver the building on time.
In September, the federal government announced almost $40 million for the NT in its latest aged care grant round, for projects all outside of Darwin and Palmerston.
Originally published as NT Health Minister urges swift action as EOI launched for 120-bed aged care facility
Email: rebecca.cox@news.com.au
