From The Campaign Trail

I recently visited two aged person's nursing homes in the Ryan electorate. At both I heard about the long waits that many residents had experienced before being admitted. Some had spent extended periods in hospital not because of illness but because of the inexcusable shortage of places in nursing homes. Surely older Australians deserve better. They will get that under a Rudd Labor government. At the weekend Kevin Rudd announced that his government will create up to 2000 "transition beds" for older Australians in hospitals. Labor will make $300 million available in interest-free loans to aged care providers to fund 2500 permanent aged care beds. This initiative in Labor's New Directions For Older Australians, will not only help elderly Australians but also help relieve pressure on public hospitals. If you want a full copy of the policy please contact me.