Disability Equipment
Program of Appliances for Disabled People | Review of Program of Appliances for Disabled People | Enable NSW | Common Equipment Prescription Guidelines Project | Related LinksProgram of Appliances for Disabled People
The Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP) is a NSW Governement program to assist eligible residents of NSW who have a life-long or long-term disability to live and participate within their community by providing appropriate equipment, aids and appliances.
Information on eligibility for PADP, the range of equipment available, the lodgement of applications, mutual responsibilities and expectations, and steps for complaints and appeals is outlined in the Program of Appliances for Disabled People - NSW Health Policy.
People with disability interested in seeking further information about PADP should discuss their query with a health care provider, or see their nearest PADP Lodgement Centre.
Review of Program of Appliances for Disabled People
The former Minister for Health, Morris Iemma, approved a major review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP). Through consultation with people accessing the program, clinicians, managers and key stakeholders the Review examined three key issues. These were
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management and administration
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target population and demand, and
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budgetary requirements and financial management.
The Review, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, was completed in June 2006.The NSW Government has carefully considered the report and responded to recommendations in the NSW Government Response to the Review of the DADP.
The recommendations of the Review provide an oppurtunity to develop an integrated, consistent, cost-effective and equitable approach to the delivery of all NSW Health disability support services. A key recommendation of the Review is "that all PADP functions be transferred from the current Lodgement Centres to one statewide administration".
The recommendation to change PADP operations has the support of Government and it is planned to progressively rationalise, standardise and consolidate the administration and delivery of PADP into a single statewide service under HealthSupport, over a period of 3 years. Savings from these changes will be used to enhance equipment provision for people with disabilities.
Review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People
NSW Government Response to the Review of PADP
Frequently Asked Questions about the PADP Review
Enable NSW
A new unit called EnableNSW was established under the auspice of HealthSupport to integrate and manage the statewide administrative functions of five disability support programs with similar service delivery demands:
- Program of Appliances for Disabled People
- Home Oxygen Service
- Artificial Limb Service
- Ventilator Dependent Quadriplegia program
- Children's Home Ventilation program
The Government has also decided that where appropriate, the supported recommendations from the Review of PADP be applied to these programs. This will include rationalisation of Home Oxygen Program centres to a single statewide service.
Common Equipment Prescription Guidelines Project
The Lifetime Care and Support Authority (LTCSA) and NSW Health have been leading a collaborative project to develop Common Equipment Prescription Guidelines for use by clinicians prescribing equipment for people with disabilities. The aim of the project is to develop a consistent approach to disability equipment prescription that can be used by all NSW Government equipment schemes to support:
- best practice principles for clinicians
- consistent and simple administrative processes
- opportunities for procurement benefits
The LTCSA and NSW Health have been working with groups of clinical experts from a range of disability areas to develop consistent approaches to prescription . A Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) representing relevant government agencies , professional associations and consumer groups has been consulted and endorsed the reform process.
Following a period of public consultation in late 2007, the new processes will be piloted in early 2008.
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