The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.2 million into an early intervention allied health pilot to help older patients recover safely at home and avoid prolonged hospital stays.
It comes as the number of patients waiting for Commonwealth Government aged care placements stranded in state public hospitals continues to surge.
Up to 330 older people per year are expected to benefit from the Enhanced Allied Health pilot, which will provide targeted intervention for chronic and complex needs, including support with mobility, cognition, falls risk, home safety, equipment, and carer training.
The pilot will engage a range of allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, speech pathologists and social workers.
The teams will support older people through home visits, community based care, and virtually enabled care.
The pilot will also work with existing hospital, community and aged care services, to strengthen assessment, care planning, rehabilitation and support for older people transitioning from hospital or receiving care at home.
Locations for the pilot will be confirmed in the coming months with a planned go live in early 2027.
Potential participants will be identified through clinical assessment and local referral pathways, including while in hospital.
While the Commonwealth Government is responsible for the accessibility of aged care placements, the NSW Government has intervened, including an investment of $35.7 million into an Aged Care Response Package, which includes the early intervention pilots, to deliver much-needed relief for older people experiencing discharge delays.
The NSW Government is also working with the Commonwealth to expand services helping older people remain well and safely at home, reducing avoidable hospital presentations and admissions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"The number of patients waiting for Commonwealth Government aged care placements stranded in public hospitals represents one of the most significant public health crises facing state health systems around Australia.
"But we simply cannot wait for the Commonwealth because we are losing more and more hospital beds to the aged care bed shortage faster than ever before.
"That's why the Minns Labor Government has made the decision to intervene investing in early intervention allied health to help older people avoid hospitals.
"We must continue to look at ways to support our community to stay fit, healthy and independent and remain at home."
