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Report backs AMA’s calls on aged care

A Parliamentary Committee report on how to improve the care of vulnerable Australians in residential aged care facilities has accepted many of the AMA’s recommendations, including the need for more registered nurses. The report recommends 24-hour availability of a registered nurse in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs).

The recommendations of the Report on the Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia largely align with AMA policy.

“The AMA has been advocating for a registered nurse-to-resident ratio that aligns with the level of care need, and ensures 24-hour registered nurse availability,” AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said.

“The Committee has recommended that it be enshrined in law that all residential aged care facilities provide for a minimum of one registered nurse to be on-site at all times.

“This is a good first step. However, we recognise that one registered nurse will not be enough in many residential aged care facilities, which may have hundreds of frail residents.”

The AMA has been very active on aged care in recent weeks, with multiple submissions made.

Read more about the AMA’s recommendations to the report here.

Read the AMA’s Submission to the Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities in Australia here.

The AMA Position Statement on Resourcing Aged Care 2018

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