New England MP Barnaby Joyce is concerned the future of community based aged care facilities like Ashford’s Sunhaven Hostel may be bleak if they’re forced to employ a registered nurse 24/7.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the promise when elected in 2022 to fix Australia’s aged care system saying every aged care facility will be required to have a registered, qualified nurse on site, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Speaking on STA FM yesterday, Mr Joyce says community based aged care facilities are owned by the community, are not for profit, and are not owned by a big conglomerate.
Mr Joyce says after speaking with Sunhaven Hostel management on Monday, they advised they won’t be able to fulfil the employment of a 24/7 registered nurse adding it leaves their future uncertain because they either can’t afford or acquire a registered nurse to be based there on a 24/7 basis.
