Right now, more than 1,000 Queensland hospital beds are occupied by older Australians who’d be better looked after in aged care. That’s like taking Queensland’s biggest hospital offline, every day.
These ‘long-stay’ patients are clinically ready to leave hospital – but they can’t. Not without appropriate supports to transition back into the community.
Aged care is a Federal Government responsibility. Queensland needs a national plan to provide more aged care places to free up beds for Queenslanders in need and give stranded patients the care they deserve.
Over 1,000
$1.87 million
Patient impacts
Delayed discharge has adverse effects on the wellbeing of older patients. Prolonged hospital stays can lead to poorer health outcomes, increased pressures on hospital capacity and workforce, and higher healthcare costs. Returning home or to a community setting supports recovery by allowing patients to reconnect with their usual routines, family and support networks.
Older Queenslanders deserve dignity, stability and the right kind of support – not an extended hospital stay.
‘I don’t really have any other option but to move into a nursing home because I have no family to help me. It has been very distressing to leave my unit, my cat, and my friends.’
‘I never thought I would end up like this. Sitting looking at the walls waiting for a nursing home who will accept me.’
‘My husband needs specialist care that I can’t manage at home anymore. I have tried so many times but I am in my eighties and not well myself. I feel so guilty, but I know the best place for my husband is in a nursing home.’
Health system pressures
Without the availability of appropriate long-term care, hospital beds remain occupied slowing movement of other patients through Emergency. Timely discharge is about supporting the best outcomes for patients while maintaining a health system that can respond quickly and effectively to the needs of the whole community.
- More than 1,000 older patients are experiencing delayed discharge in Queensland. This figure increases to more than 1,500 considering those in interim care beds, which are temporary care arrangements funded by Queensland Hospital and Health Services.
- Lack of available places in Residential Aged Care Homes is the leading barrier to discharge of older patients in acute hospital beds - impacting 73% of cases.
- The median length of stay for these delayed older patients is 27 days, costing the healthcare system approximately $1.87 million daily.
The number of older Queenslanders is projected to more than double, reaching 1.7 million people by 2053. A national response is needed to ensure older patients are discharged safely, with the right supports in place.
Delivering health services when you need them
The Queensland Government is delivering more health services with the largest investment in health Queensland has ever seen. Including:
- Three new hospitals and 10 expanded hospitals
- 2,600 new hospital beds
- 46,000 more health professionals by 2032.
Find out more about health services in your area.
Help and support
Helping you navigate aged care, every step of the way | My Aged Care