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.

Some hotel rooms are being converted into health care facilities in South Australia. Credit: Royal Adelaide Hospital Website

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.

Key Takeaways

• SA is considering using hotels as temporary care facilities to alleviate pressure on hospital systems, due to overcrowding and high rates of ambulance ramping.
• The state government is seeking a 25-bed facility to house a variety of outpatients and is looking to have arrangements in place by October.
• Health Minister Chris Picton noted the substantial number of people waiting to move into aged care homes from hospitals, and the government is exploring different models to address the issue.
• The Australian Medical Association's SA branch president acknowledged the necessity of such extreme measures but emphasized that they should be a short-term solution while calling for increased aged care capacity.

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.

 

[Colette 3799]

I thought the problem was a lack of staff not a lack of beds. Who is going to look after the people placed in hotels - room service?

 

[wendell]

My mother was transferred from our local hospital to an aged care home a number of years ago but of course things have gone bad since and apparently their are waiting lists and of course they can ‘t keep them in hospital beds either .
2 years ago my husband contracted COVID in our local hospital we were on our private health in a public hospital. At the meeting because he was so sick they wanted Him to go to a nursing home Then they said he was taking up a bed in hospital . I was so livid and stood up and said you gave him Covid and we are paying private health and you can’t nurse him - then they offered palliative care , he passed in a few days after before he got there
we were devastated

 

[Gsr]

While the use of hotels could help alleviate the bed shortage the 25 beds the SA government is wanting will fall a long way short of easing the situation. Then there is the consideration of whether this would be suitable placement for aged people, are they ground floor rooms, if not is there a lift, does the building meet fire safety regulations specified for aged care facilities, are the amenities suitable for aged people’s use, who is going to supply the food, meals, entertainment etc etc, the list goes on and on. Will be interesting to see how this works out.

 

[novezar]

Extremely typical. I reckon instead of a 25 bed facility, they need a 250 + bed facility. Think of the much needed extra employment it would create.
Then again, where will the proper trained staff needed, come from ?