Australia's health department risks locking in outdated models of private care by overlooking nurses and midwives, the Australian College of Nursing warned on Wednesday in a joint submission to a government consultation on private health reform.
The college notes that nurses and midwives make up 54% of Australia's national health workforce, yet their role is barely acknowledged in the proposals — even though nurses play a leading or essential role in all three Hospital in the Home services under initial consideration: intravenous infusions, complex wound care and palliative care. Nurses are integrated into 99% of public Hospital in the Home services.
Among its recommendations, the ACN wants officials to explore nurse practitioner-led mental health services in the private sector, pointing to 40% growth in nurse practitioners working in mental health over the five years to 2025. It also wants Medicare Benefits Schedule items amended so private in-hospital patients can access a 75% Medicare rebate for nurse practitioner services.
The college argues that building advanced nursing and midwifery practice into private healthcare would improve access, quality, continuity and affordability for patients.
