Aged care centre has 60 per cent empty beds: 'people don't want to go there'

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery on Friday, asking why Wallsend Aged Care Facility, behind her, is 60 per cent empty. Picture by Marina Neil.

THE 98-bed aged care facility at the former Wallsend Hospital has more than 60 per cent of its beds available and has not taken a new resident for more than two years, Hunter New England Health has confirmed.

Wallsend state MP Sonia Hornery says she is extremely concerned about the under-use of the facility, and fears Hunter New England Health is either setting it up to be privatised or closed.