Increasing hospital capacity
The Government is making significant investments to increase the capacity of our hospitals. This includes:
- funding new sub‑acute care beds to take pressure off public hospitals; and
- providing capital funding to help ensure that facilities are available to meet access targets and guarantees.
1,300 new sub‑acute care beds
The Government is investing $1.6 billion over four years to fund more than 1,300 new sub‑acute care beds by 2013‑14, improving access for patients and reducing pressure on public hospitals.
Investing in hospital capital
The Government is investing $400 million over four years for capital investments in emergency departments and elective surgery. In addition, the Government is providing $200 million over four years in flexible funding for use across emergency departments, elective surgery, and sub‑acute care.
These investments will deliver immediate improvements and help lift public hospitals to the new, higher national standards.
Investments to take pressure off hospitals and emergency departments
Other investments will help take pressure off public hospitals. These include providing $120 million over three years in capital funding for around 286 additional beds and bed equivalents in multi‑purpose services. This investment will provide more sub‑acute care for older Australians in rural and regional areas.
In addition, the Government's reforms in GP and primary care, and prevention, will prevent and better manage disease and reduce pressure on hospitals.
