Director of Strategy and Mission of Catholic Health Australia Brigid Meaney says more should be done to keep private hospitals operational, a position her organisation will be platforming ahead of the federal election.
She says Catholic Health Australia (CHA) will be “advocating for systemic policy changes” which can make a material difference to those needing hospitals.
“More than 70 private hospitals services have closed just in the last five years,” she wrote in an op-ed.
“We need to ensure that our hospitals remain viable, so that the necessary services that are provided are accessible to people when they most need it.”
She said outreach services supporting disadvantaged Australians should also be maintained.
Meaney hit out at insurance companies as well, saying more should be done to ensure they are “not capitalising on illness for their own profit” and are putting money back into the healthcare systems.
She also called for better protection of healthcare workers, saying they should have “the financial means and accommodation to live close to where they work” and remain in their jobs.
“With the growing pressures being faced by so many, a comprehensive response must be systematic,” she said.
“This requires policy changes and reframing that recognises our interconnected nature, and places the pursuit of the common good, and those who are vulnerable, at the centre.”
Meaney also highlighted Australia’s growing mental health crisis and called on private insurers to increase the scope of what they will cover, especially for younger people.
“Community-based mental healthcare must be included in private health insurance products to cover outpatient care, crisis intervention and rehabilitation services,
she said.
“The waiting period for mental health services for under 30s must also be removed to improve access and prevent an escalation of mental health issues.”
In a media release, Catholic Health Australia CEO Jason Kara said a fairer system where insurers contribute more to hospital funding was needed.
“Our analysis shows that over the last six years, insurers’ hospital premium income has risen by 16.5 per cent, while benefits paid to patients have increased by only 8 per cent,” he said.
“This imbalance is threatening the viability of private hospitals, which play a crucial role in alleviating pressure on the public system.
“We must ensure that funding reaches the frontline of care.”
CHA is also calling for a national private price for hospitals, similar to what the public system already has in place.