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Aged Care Royal Commission

The AMA has welcomed the Federal Government’s intention to launch a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that the AMA has for many years voiced serious concerns about the care being given to older Australians, and the lack of resourcing to a sector that provides care to people who deserve special support at a vulnerable time in their lives.

“The most recent AMA Aged Care Survey found that one in three doctors plan to cut back on or completely end their visits to patients in residential aged care facilities over the next two years. The Survey also found there are not enough suitably trained and experienced nurses in aged care.

“We need to see the ‘care’ put back into aged care,” Dr Bartone said.

While the Terms of Reference are yet to be announced, the Royal Commission is expected to investigate the quality of care in private and government-run aged care homes following the exposure of cases of neglect, elder abuse, and a lack of staff.

The AMA will continue to advocate for a suitable funding model, greater resourcing, and improving access to medical practitioners throughout the Royal Commission. 

Media Release

2017 AMA Aged Care Survey

AMA submission to aged care workforce strategy taskforce

Position statement: aged care resourcing

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