smh.com.au
NDIS Delays Cause Palliative Care Bed Block in Victorian Hospitals
Delays in processing National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) applications are causing bed block in Victorian palliative care units, leaving younger patients stuck in hospitals for months while others are unable to access crucial end-of-life care; one patient waited 270 days before passing away.
- What is the immediate impact of NDIS application delays on palliative care units in Victorian public hospitals?
- Due to delays in NDIS applications, palliative care units in Victorian public hospitals are experiencing bed block, with patients waiting months for support. This forces younger patients to remain in hospital beds longer than necessary, preventing other terminally ill individuals from accessing needed care. One patient waited 270 days for an NDIS application before passing away in the palliative care unit.
- What are the long-term consequences of the current system for patients with terminal illnesses and their families?
- The bed block issue will likely worsen due to the November 1st aged care regulation changes. The lack of timely NDIS assessments leaves younger patients with terminal illnesses with limited options, either prolonging their hospital stay or being discharged even when not fully ready for it. This highlights a critical need for improved inter-agency collaboration and faster NDIS processing to resolve this systemic problem.
- How do funding gaps between the NDIS, aged care, and state health systems contribute to the palliative care bed block issue?
- The delays are caused by a funding gap between the NDIS, aged care, and state health systems, affecting at least 5000 people under 65. New Commonwealth regulations limiting aged care access for those under 65 exacerbate the issue, placing greater reliance on the already burdened NDIS. Palliative care staff report feeling pressured by NDIS staff who imply that assessment efforts are futile due to the patients' imminent death or deterioration.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue from the perspective of patients and their families negatively impacted by NDIS delays, emphasizing the heartbreaking consequences. The headline and introduction immediately establish a tone of criticism towards the NDIS, setting the stage for a largely negative portrayal. The inclusion of Terry's story as a central example further reinforces this negative framing.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language, such as "heartbreaking," "disgusting," and "ludicrous," to describe the situation. These terms contribute to a negative and critical tone. While this language might evoke empathy for the affected families, it also risks undermining the objectivity of the reporting. More neutral alternatives could be used, such as "difficult," "challenging," or "inefficient.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative impacts of NDIS delays on palliative care, but omits potential positive aspects of the NDIS or alternative solutions being explored. While it mentions the NDIA's efforts to improve discharge times, it doesn't delve into the details of these efforts or their effectiveness. The perspectives of NDIS assessors and the challenges they face are also absent, potentially offering a more balanced view.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as a simple conflict between the needs of palliative care patients and the limitations of the NDIS. It overlooks the complexities of eligibility criteria, resource allocation, and the various stakeholders involved. The narrative implies that the only solution is to expedite NDIS applications, ignoring other potential solutions.
Sustainable Development Goals
Delays in NDIS applications are causing bed blocking in palliative care units, leading to extended hospital stays for younger patients and preventing timely access to care for others. This impacts negatively on the quality of life and timely access to appropriate palliative care, thus hindering progress towards SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.