More community health care the remedy for ailing hospitals

In response to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report on hospitals, the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) has said the best remedy for Australia’s hospitals is to keep people out of them.

“Hospital waiting lists will continue to blow out unless governments act now to give Australians access to quick and effective health care in their communities,” ANF federal secretary Ged Kearney said.

The ANF want community health centers expanded to all areas of Australia.

“Let’s get working on building community health centres where people can get quick and effective health care from a range of health professionals, appropriate to the needs of each community,” Ms Kearney said.

“If there is a young community with lots of new families, emphasise maternity services, maternal and child health care, if it is older, have more aged care services.

“We need community health care centres that will not only treat illnesses but can also keep people healthy through community health and lifestyle programs, managing chronic disease and targeted health services”.

The report shows that 9% of hospital admissions are preventable, keeping people out of hospital is the thing that will reduce the pressure, according to the ANF.