Residents and MPs are calling on Hunter New England Health to explain the low occupancy rate at the Wallsend Aged Care Facility.
It was recently revealed the facility has more than 60 per cent of its beds available, and has not taken a new resident for more than two years.
It's estimated this means there are approximately 40 beds free.
Wallsend state MP Sonia Hornery has expressed concern, the government plans to privatise or close the facility altogether.
Ms Hornery said this doesn't make sense, considering the it has higher staffing ratios and better qualified staff than most federal facilities.
"It's so important to keep the Wallsend Aged Care Facility in public hands and available for the community because the quality of care there is the best," she said.
Hunter Health's Executive Director of Greater Metropolitan Health Services, Karen Kelly, told Newcastle Herald, the COVID-19 pandemic had led to the decrease in residents, with families hesitant to admit their loved ones following a string of outbreaks.
However, Ms Hornery said two years on, Hunter Health could lift the occupancy rate if it wanted to.
"My question to the government and to the Health Minister is, are people being discouraged from going to the aged care facility?"
Ms Hornery noted the bed block in Hunter hospitals, and said something needs to be done to ease the pressure on the health system.
She suggested the Wallsend site be used as temporary accommodation for patients filling up hospitals in the region.
"I'm calling on the government to ensure not only that the Wallsend Aged Care Facility remains open, but that the community is encouraged to use the facility for their family when it's needed," Ms Hornery said.
"I'm calling on the government to consider using consider using this facility as respite, to free up some of the beds at the John Hunter and the Calvary Mater."
"And I'm calling on the government to be open an transparent with the community about what's really happening at the Wallsend Aged Care Facility because there is some reason why we have so many beds vacant at this wonderful facility."
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| The Wallsend Aged Care Facility has more than 60 per cent of its beds available, Hunter Health has confirmed. |
