UPDATE: The 2019-20 Queensland Budget announcement included $61.9 million over two years for “a temporary measure to ensure NDIS clients are able to access critical supports while interface issues between the NDIS and mainstream services are resolved.”
While no further details are currently available, this is a promising announcement and we hope community nursing services is recognised in this funding.
The health and wellbeing of Queenslanders with a disability will be greatly disadvantaged if community nursing funding isn’t included in tonight’s State Budget, according to Spinal Life Australia.
Executive Manager – Member Services Ross Duncan said state funding for vital nursing services such as wound care and catheter changes, services not covered by the NDIS, is due to cease on 30 June 2019.
“When this funding ends on 30 June, Queenslanders with spinal cord damage and other disabilities will be looking at paying close to $100 out of pocket for every nursing in-home visit,” Mr Duncan said.
“When you have a wound or pressure area that requires daily care and attention, that sort of expense is not sustainable, and some medical conditions can severely limit your ability to visit your hospital or local GP.
“Not having access to affordable nursing services in the community can increase the severity of existing wounds and pressure areas, increase the numbers of urinary tract infections and lead to many preventable health issues putting additional pressure on the Queensland health system.”
Mr Duncan said as the NDIS does not cover nursing services for wound care and continence management, which is considered a state health issue, it was vital that a funding extension to community nursing is included in tonight’s State Budget.
“If access to affordable community nursing is cut off on 30 June as planned, the health and livelihood of some of Queensland’s most vulnerable residents will be at risk,” Mr Duncan said.
The Queensland Budget will be tabled today at 2.30pm.