Better Palliative Care Could Help Ease Pressure on Australian Hospitals
15 Oct 2026
A new report from the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission highlights the problem of older patients who are medically ready to leave hospital but cannot do so because suitable aged care services are unavailable. These patients are known as stranded patients.
The report estimates that 1,800 patients are stranded in NSW public hospitals. Without urgent action, this number could rise to 7,000 within the next 10 years.
PCA supports the report’s recommendation to improve national data on stranded patients. It says the data should also identify people who need palliative care, with funding and services designed to meet their needs. This includes timely access to palliative care at home and in residential aged care facilities.
PCA Chief Executive Officer Dr Chris Hatherly said better access to palliative care could help people with life-limiting illnesses avoid unnecessary hospital visits when hospital care is not what they need or want.
According to PCA, people who receive quality palliative care at home or in aged care are less likely to visit emergency departments and spend fewer days in hospital during their final year of life. They are also more likely to receive care and spend their final days in their preferred location.
Dr Hatherly said this approach could free up hospital beds for other patients, lower healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for people nearing the end of life and their families.
PCA says reducing pressure on hospitals requires better coordination across hospitals, aged care, disability services and community care. The organisation also highlights the importance of providing suitable support for the approximately 450 Australians who die from life-limiting illnesses each day.
Better Palliative Care Could Help Ease Pressure on Australian Hospitals
Source: Palliative Care Australia (PCA); NSW Productivity and Equality Commission.