Federal Funding Injection to Expand Aged Care Capacity in Unanderra
A significant federal government grant of $15.8 million is set to transform aged care services in the Illawarra region, with the announcement of 48 new residential beds at the Marco Polo Residential Care Home in Unanderra. This expansion, confirmed by IRT CEO Ross Gallagher, represents a strategic move to address critical pressures on local hospitals by providing more appropriate accommodation for older patients.
Addressing Hospital Bed Block Through Aged Care Expansion
The funding will specifically enable the reopening of previously closed sections within the facility, namely the St John's and St Luke's wings, which have remained unoccupied until now. Mr Gallagher emphasised that this development will substantially enhance the quality of residential aged care available to older residents in the local community while simultaneously tackling the persistent issue of hospital bed block.
"We're grateful for the trust the government has placed in us to deliver much-needed aged care beds for the region," Mr Gallagher stated. "Just as importantly, it will help address the ongoing pressure on local hospitals by enabling older patients who no longer require acute care to transition into residential care homes more quickly."
The Financial and Operational Impact of Aged Care Shortages
Currently, the region faces substantial financial and operational challenges due to aged care bed shortages. Mr Gallagher revealed that between 100 and 150 older patients wait in hospital for an aged care bed placement every single day, costing the region approximately $86 million annually. This situation creates significant bottlenecks in hospital systems, delaying care for other patients and straining healthcare resources.
The refurbishment project will deliver modern, high-quality accommodation specifically designed to meet contemporary aged care needs. This includes additional high-care rooms and specialised dementia-support facilities, ensuring that residents receive appropriate care in a comfortable environment.
Staged Redevelopment Approach and Timelines
The project will proceed in two carefully coordinated stages to minimise disruption to current residents. Stage one involves fitting out the St John's and St Luke's wings using the federal grant funding. Stage two will see IRT self-fund the refurbishment of Cordeaux Lodge, with both stages running concurrently to accelerate the overall completion timeline.
Upgrades will be carefully staged so residents can remain living in the care home while the 80 resident rooms, en suites and shared areas are progressively upgraded. This thoughtful approach ensures continuity of care and minimises the stress of relocation for vulnerable residents.
The entire redevelopment project is scheduled for completion early next year, marking a significant milestone in the region's aged care infrastructure. This initiative represents a collaborative approach between government funding and private sector delivery, creating tangible benefits for both healthcare systems and community members requiring aged care services.
