ACEM has consistently advocated for greater focus on Australia’s ageing population and the increasing number of older people experiencing prolonged hospital stays due to delays in accessing appropriate post-hospital care. The College also supports targeted measures to boost hospital capacity.
“Emergency departments and hospitals are under increasing pressure from bed block, and older patients are disproportionately affected. We welcome this joint focus on coordinated, system-wide solutions that ensure patients receive the right care in the right place, without unnecessary delays," ACEM President Dr Peter Allely said.
“Emergency departments are noisy, busy and constantly moving. They’re not the right place for older people with frailty or complex needs to spend extended periods of time.
“We need an aged care system that is built for complexity, not just scale.
“Services with the clinical capability to support people earlier, manage deterioration, and work closely with hospitals are required. Getting this right will reduce avoidable admissions, support timely discharge and take pressure off emergency departments.
“Older patients who no longer need hospital treatment are staying in EDs and wards due to a lack of appropriate discharge options. That reduces capacity for new patients and leads to overcrowded EDs, ambulance delays and longer waits.
“This cycle must end.
“All of us want to know that as we age, we’ll be treated with respect and dignity and have access to affordable, appropriate care.”
These challenges will also be highlighted in the College's upcoming State of Emergency report later this year, which will place a spotlight on Australia’s ageing population and its impact on emergency departments and the health system.
ACEM is committed to working with the Hospital Discharge Joint Taskforce, the Productivity and Equality Commission , and both levels of government to support meaningful reforms that improve patient flow and outcomes across the health system.
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
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