Media release
From the Minister for Senior Victorians
Thursday, May 22, 2008
ELDERLY VICTORIANS TO BENEFIT FROM $5 MILLION CHRONIC WOUND CARE PLAN
Older people throughout Victoriawill get improved wound management thanks to a $5 million Brumby Government strategy.
Senior Victorians Minister Lisa Neville today announced funding that will helprelieve older people living at home and in residential aged care in greatest need of chronic wound care.
Ms Neville said improving wound management was the focus of a range of state initiatives to add to their comfort, care and safety.
“The Brumby Government is taking action for older Victorians,” Ms Neville said.
“Complications from chronic wounds are significant cause of public hospital admissions and a big worry for older people.As we age, wounds get harder to heal. Up to 15 per cent of mobility-challenged older people get pressure wounds, which can easily worsen.
“Chronic wounds significantly reduce quality of life and increase demand on our health system.”
Ms Neville said district nursing services spend considerable time treating chronic wounds and many aged care residents are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Aged Care Wound Care Strategy initiatives announced today will benefit older people and staff caring for them by reducing the incidence of such ulcers and helping to better manage pain.
Ms Neville said nearly $3 million statewide over four years would include wound care clinical nurse consultants established to service rural and regional Victoria.
“As well, there will be wound care training to support staff working for district nursing and public sector residential services,” she said.
“A pressure ulcer training package for all Victorian residential aged care staff is also being developed by the Victorian Quality Council.”
Ms Neville said a further $2 million-plus for special equipment has been provided to all public sector residential homes in Victoria, with $1.6 million of this targeted to rural and regional services.
“Statewide, nearly 300 new electronic beds with pressure-relieving mattresses will improve the care of higher-dependency residents, along with nearly 200 specialised pressure care mattress overlays,” she said.
Media contact: Ben Ruse 0437 195 284 or 9651 5799