Media release

Election Over: Aged Care Debate Continues - AMA

AMA Aged Care Spokesman, Dr Gerald Segal, said today that the election may be over but the aged care debate in the Australian community rages on.

Dr Segal will tonight address the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Congress Dinner in Canberra.

"The AMA looks forward to the Prime Minister appointing the Minister for Aged Care shortly and we are committed to working with the Minister to build an aged care system that will serve the needs of this and future Australian generations with proper care and compassion," Dr Segal said.

"Supply falls far short of demand in residential aged care facilities, and it is imperative that the Coalition's election promise of new beds is put in place as quickly as possible.

"Beds alone are not enough.

"Properly funded purpose-built facilities with professional staff are needed, and progressive policies to match the funding are vital.

"The funding formula for the aged care sector must realistically reflect proper wages and working conditions to attract nurses and qualified carers back to the sector and keep them there.

"It is essential, also, that GPs are part of the integrated care within residential aged care facilities.

"The AMA is ready to work with the Government and the new Minister to make aged care a community priority and something we can all be proud of," Dr Segal said.


CONTACT: Dr Gerald Segal, 0418 559 086

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