Catholic Health Australia welcomes federal government's extra Covid health funding

Catholic Health Australia has welcomed the federal government's $1.4 billion extension of Covid-19 health funding announced today. Jason Kara, Director of Aged Care at CHA, said the extra $840 million to help cover staff and equipment costs in the aged care sector will provide a much-needed boost to the 550 care facilities in the CHA network. "This additional government funding comes at a vital time given over half of Australia's aged care homes are currently operating at a loss," he said. "Rapid antigen testing and PPE are essential for residents to safely meet loved ones and improve their social connectedness and quality of life. "But anti-Covid measures cost considerable money and that funding needs to come from somewhere. We're grateful the government has recognised this." Caitlin O'Dea, Director of Health Policy at CHA, said the additional financial support was essential given hospitals were still under strain, as the nation records more than 7,000 Covid cases per day. "Our hospitals are still well and truly in the thick of Covid and are reeling from the huge burden of costs of protecting patients and staff. We welcome the extra assistance," she said. Ms O'Dea particularly welcomed the extra $5 million for antivirals to be prescribed through telehealth. "Telehealth came into its own during the pandemic and we should continue to develop our telehealth capacity and utilise it where it makes sense," she said.