About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Kevin Rudd Promises More Funding To Meet AMA's 3,750 Bed Target

by VR Sreeraman on December 7, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Font : A-A+

Kevin Rudd Promises More Funding To Meet AMA's 3,750 Bed Target

AMA President Dr Rosanna Capolingua today welcomed the Federal Government's recognition of the AMA's target of 3,750 new beds needed for public hospitals.

On the weekend the ABC reported "Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the extra funding will result in an extra 1-2 million patients being treated in emergency departments and could mean an additional 3, 750 beds in hospitals in 2008-09 and more in the following year."

Advertisement

"This was not evident or obvious in the COAG communiqué. The Prime Minister has recognized the need, and it is now essential that the States increase bed numbers in order to deliver real improvements in the public hospital system," Dr Capolingua said.

"While encouraged that recognition of the need for beds has finally occurred, the AMA remains skeptical that this agreement can deliver those beds - but we look forward to being convinced."
Advertisement

The AMA has argued for more than a year that 3,750 extra beds are needed in public hospitals across Australia.
 
"Emergency department funding on its own does not solve the need to admit patients into hospital beds. Patients end up on trolleys in corridors because there are no beds on the wards. This compromises the patients care and puts them at risk while they suffer pain, fear and distress," Dr Capolingua said.
 
"Our public hospital report card showed occupancy rates are nearly all over 90 percent, with some hospitals running at over 100 percent. The internationally recognised safe occupancy rate is 85 percent.
 
"If this agreement can deliver the funding required for the extra beds, occupancy rates will fall to safe levels, the pressure on emergency departments will be reduced, and patients will receive the high standard of care that they should receive in this country.
 
"This would be the best outcome our struggling public hospitals have seen in a generation.
 
"The AMA is now calling for accurate quarterly reporting on bed numbers and occupancy rates over the next 18 months to track progress and ensure the community is properly informed."

Source: AMA
SRM
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Hospital News

 Surgical Road Map for Healthcare Welfare in Low- And Middle-Income Countries
An exploratory investigation in Ghana revealed that surgical site infection was a statistically significant variable in determining postoperative healthcare costs.
 Young Heart Patients Actively Take Part in Medical Care Decisions
Adolescents and young adults preferred more patient-led active decision-making while parents preferred more parent/physician-shared decision-making.
Hand Hygiene can Keep Healthcare-associated Infections at Bay
Is hand hygiene important in hospital settings? Clean hands can help patients and staff in healthcare settings to avoid healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). So, wash your hands
How Clean Hospitals can Reduce Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance may result from poor hygiene practices in hospitals or other medical facilities, stated study.
 Patient Care Improves When Doctors Know Each Other
Will patient care be better if the specialist knows the referred doctor? Yes, friendly relationships among physicians have a major impact on the quality of care.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Kevin Rudd Promises More Funding To Meet AMA's 3,750 Bed Target Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests