In the face of a healthcare system under strain, South Australia is exploring innovative solutions to alleviate the pressure on its public hospitals. With ambulance ramping reaching unprecedented levels and elective surgeries being postponed, the state government has proposed a novel idea: converting hotel rooms into temporary aged care facilities.

This initiative aims to address the bottleneck of aged care patients occupying hospital beds, a situation that has seen a dramatic increase over the past 18 months. Health Minister Chris Picton highlighted that approximately 270 individuals are currently in limbo, awaiting transfer from hospitals to aged care homes. The congestion is not unique to South Australia; it's a nationwide challenge that calls for immediate and creative interventions.



The concept of using hotels as makeshift care facilities is not entirely new. Queensland has previously implemented a similar model, providing hotel accommodations with the necessary nursing and care for patients in transition. This approach has shown promise and is now being considered as a potential stopgap measure in South Australia.


The state government has released a tender for a 25-bed sub-acute health facility, with the goal of having it operational by October 1. This facility would cater to a diverse group of outpatients, including aged care patients, pregnant mothers, ophthalmology patients, and those requiring pre- or post-operative care, as well as mental health patients.



Minister Picton has emphasized that this investment would be more cost-effective than adding additional hospital beds. While the state is taking on responsibilities typically managed by the federal government, the urgency of the situation has necessitated this proactive stance. The state is committed to increasing hospital capacity, but the lack of new aged care facilities coming online has forced them to consider alternative solutions.

The federal government, through a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Aged Care, has acknowledged the complexity of the issue and expressed a commitment to working with states and territories to find solutions. The problem of delayed hospital discharge for the elderly is a longstanding one, and collaborative efforts are crucial to address it.

The Australian Medical Association's SA branch president, Dr. John Williams, has commended the idea of a makeshift facility but cautions that it should be a short-term fix. The long-term goal must be to expand aged care capacity to meet the growing demand. Dr. Williams also calls for federal action, as the challenges faced in South Australia are mirrored across the nation.



The federal government has reiterated its dedication to a collaborative agreement with states to ensure that hospitals, aged care, disability care, and general practices work more effectively together. This is essential for improving outcomes for all Australians, and it is hoped that progress in NDIS and disability reforms will occur in tandem with hospital funding negotiations.

As we consider the potential of hotel rooms being repurposed to provide care for our elderly, it's a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of our healthcare system. It's also a call to action for long-term solutions that will ensure the well-being of our senior citizens and the sustainability of our health services.


Members, what are your thoughts on this innovative approach to aged care? Have you or a loved one experienced delays in transitioning from hospital to aged care? Share your stories and insights in the comments below. Your experiences help shed light on the realities of our healthcare system and contribute to the ongoing conversation about how we can improve care for our seniors.