Cairns Hospital is facing growing pressure from patients who need aged-care services but remain in hospital because suitable placements are unavailable. A report published today says about 160 hospital beds a day are occupied by aged-care patients, including people living with dementia and complex care needs.

Medical staff and local representatives are calling for additional aged-care capacity across Far North Queensland. They argue that acute hospitals are not designed to provide long-term care for elderly patients who require rehabilitation, subacute treatment or specialised aged-care accommodation.

The situation can affect the wider hospital system because beds occupied by patients waiting for aged-care placement are unavailable for people requiring emergency treatment, surgery and specialist medical care.

Health representatives are urging the Federal Government to accelerate investment in aged-care facilities in the region. The Australian Government has committed significant national funding for additional aged-care beds, but local advocates want Far North Queensland to receive enough capacity to address its specific demand.

The issue is particularly important for Cairns because the region serves a large surrounding population, including communities across Far North Queensland. Delays in finding appropriate accommodation can leave vulnerable older people in hospital for longer than medically necessary.

Health professionals have also raised concerns about the impact on hospital staff and patient flow. Providing appropriate care in dedicated aged-care settings could free hospital beds and allow medical teams to focus on acute patients.

The latest report says local representatives are continuing to push for a clear commitment on additional aged-care beds for the region.