Hundreds of NDIS Participants Trapped in Hospitals as States Call for Federal Action

Hundreds of people, including NDIS participants, are stuck in Queensland hospitals, medically ready for discharge but with nowhere suitable to go. This growing problem, known as ‘bed block’, is putting immense pressure on the state’s health system and costing millions daily.

In April, over 1,400 people were in Queensland hospitals waiting for a spot in aged care or an NDIS placement. This number has significantly risen from just over 1,100 a year earlier. It’s estimated that these delays cost Queensland more than $3 million every day.

Queensland’s Health Minister, Tim Nicholls, has urged the federal government to address the issue, labelling these individuals as ‘stranded Australians’. He argues that funding for their ongoing care falls to the Commonwealth.

Urgent Calls for Pathways and Funding

“Queenslanders deserve a health system that delivers, not one that leaves people stuck in a hospital bed, stranded, stuck and waiting for support,” Minister Nicholls stated. He emphasised the importance of ensuring dignity and proper care for all long-stay patients, including NDIS participants.

The issue is expected to be a key focus at an upcoming meeting of health ministers, highlighting the urgency of finding solutions.

Commonwealth’s Perspective on Funding

A spokesperson for the Commonwealth government indicated that they had tried to offer a solution earlier this year. During hospital funding negotiations, states identified long-stay patients, particularly older people, as a major challenge.

In response, the federal government proposed a “ringfenced” $2 billion for aged care services. This means the money would have been specifically allocated and protected for aged care. However, states and territories reportedly rejected this offer, choosing instead to direct the funding into their general hospital systems.

The Ripple Effect: Impact on Patients and Hospitals

Associate Professor Erica Gannon, President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, explained the far-reaching consequences of bed block. When hospital beds are occupied by patients who are ready for discharge, it creates a “flow-on effect” that impacts emergency departments.

This includes increased ambulance ramping, where paramedics are forced to wait with patients outside overcrowded emergency rooms. It also affects the ability to provide timely care for new patients needing urgent attention.

Beyond the system’s strain, being stuck in hospital for a prolonged period takes a significant toll on patients. Associate Professor Gannon highlighted the distress, especially for individuals with dementia, due to noisy environments and the increased risk of hospital-acquired infections. For NDIS participants, prolonged hospital stays can also mean a lack of appropriate disability supports and a delay in accessing the community-based care they need.

Limited Options for Discharge

Minister Nicholls described the situation in Queensland as “ground zero” for stranded Australians. He shared alarming examples, including one patient who has been in hospital awaiting discharge for over 1,000 days, and 15 others stranded for more than 700 days.

A significant concern is the extremely slow growth in suitable alternative placements. In the year leading up to June 2025, Queensland saw a net increase of only 26 residential aged care beds. This “dismal” figure represents a mere 0.06 per cent increase, reflecting a broader systemic challenge in providing adequate community-based care options.

What This Means for NDIS Participants and Providers

For NDIS participants, being “stranded” in hospital often means delays in securing appropriate housing, in-home care packages, or specialist disability accommodation (SDA). The NDIS is designed to provide these supports, but a shortage of suitable options, combined with complex discharge planning, can lead to extended hospital stays.

Disability service providers also face challenges, as they may have capacity to support NDIS participants but struggle with the coordination required for hospital discharges or the availability of suitable housing. The current situation highlights a critical gap between health care and disability support systems.

Moving Forward: A Call for Partnership

Queensland’s Shadow Attorney-General, Meaghan Scanlon, echoed the call for the Commonwealth to continue investing in aged care, but emphasised the need for a collaborative partnership with state governments. She also criticised the state for perceived delays in hospital projects.

This ongoing disagreement between state and federal governments highlights the complex nature of finding lasting solutions for individuals who are ready to leave hospital but have no appropriate next step.

Next Steps for Participants and Providers

If you are an NDIS participant, family member, or carer currently facing discharge delays, it’s crucial to:

Communicate regularly with your hospital’s discharge planning team and your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
Ensure your NDIS plan clearly outlines your post-hospital support needs, including housing and personal care.
Advocate for timely assessments and plan reviews if your needs have changed due to your hospital stay.

For NDIS providers, staying informed about these systemic challenges is important. Continue to advocate for better integration between health and disability services and highlight the need for increased capacity in community-based support options to prevent participants from becoming stranded.

Hazel Chen

I work in marketing and communications for NDISLocal, helping connect NDIS participants, families, and providers with clear, useful information about the sector. I'm passionate about making the NDIS easier to understand and navigate, and about giving disability service providers a platform to reach the people who need them. If you'd like to know more about anything covered in this post, or you're a provider interested in being featured, feel free to get in touch.