Strategic investment in palliative care could play a decisive role in easing hospital bed block, according to Palliative Care Australia (PCA). The organisation is urging the Federal Government to prioritise end-of-life care funding in the 2026 Budget, arguing that gaps in community-based services are pushing many Australians into hospital unnecessarily.
PCA says people with life-limiting illness are often admitted not because they require acute treatment, but because appropriate palliative care was introduced too late or home-based supports were unavailable. This is costly for the system and frequently misaligned with patient preferences.
Chief executive Camilla Rowland notes palliative care is typically introduced only weeks before death, limiting its ability to prevent crises, manage symptoms and coordinate care. Earlier involvement can significantly reduce avoidable admissions while improving quality of life.
PCA is calling for clearer care responsibilities, stronger Medicare support for home visits and planning, and funding models based on palliative need rather than life expectancy. Supporting these reforms also requires better coordination and visibility of care plans across settings — an area where digital platforms such as CareVision can help providers deliver timely, connected end-of-life care beyond hospital walls.