AUSTRALIA | With more Australians expected to rely on aged care services in the coming years, BUPA has welcomed the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to increase funding, which will help support critical efforts to recruit and retain people working in the sector.
As one of Australia’s largest aged care providers, Bupa has seen firsthand how the increase in Award wages for aged care workers has helped fill vital gaps in our workforce, particularly in regional areas.
Bupa has also supported the provision of additional funding to help address long-stay challenges for older people transitioning from extended stays in hospitals into more appropriate aged-care settings.
"Appropriate funding is critical to ensure the care of older Australians and the long-term sustainability of the aged care sector, and we look forward to continued action on this," the company said in a statement.
"We welcome confirmation on the date of implementation of the new Aged Care Act, which provides the sector with certainty on how to prepare for these important changes."
Further modernisation of the health system through the continued investment in My Health Record will strengthen Australian’s world-class, mixed health care system. These improvements in digital health care will create a more connected healthcare experience with consumers at its centre. With ongoing cost of living challenges, Bupa has remained committed to ensuring the health system will continue to deliver high-quality, accessible and affordable care for all Australians.
The Government’s funding for mental health and support for women living with endometriosis was also a welcome commitment and a step in the right direction to help fast-track solutions to these critical health and wellbeing issues.
The pandemic led to Australians having to prioritise their health more than ever before. The government has been urged to continue prioritising reform in the private health sector to meet the changing health and well-being needs of Australians. Policy settings need to be updated so Bupa can provide more value for customers, offer greater out-of-hospital care, and incentivise higher participation by younger people.
"We look forward to working with the Federal Government and our partners across our sector to help implement these important reforms and continue to provide key healthcare services to our residents, customers, and the community."
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