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Disability Equipment

Review of the 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 management and administration, target population and demand, and budgetary requirements and financial management.

The Review, conducted by PricewaerhouseCoopers, 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 18 months. Savings from these changes will be used to enhance equipment provision for people with disabilities.

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 program
• Artificial Limb Service
• Ventilator Dependent Quadriplegic 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.

Over the next 18 months improvements to the programs will be implemented that will allow easier and fairer access to the program. HealthSupport will work to ensure a smooth transition and any changes in processes will be clearly communicated to consumers, clinicians, program staff and other stakeholders.

Full copies of the Review of PADP and the NSW Government Response are now available:

• Review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (pdf)
• NSW Government Response to the Review of PADP (pdf)

Further information is available from EnableNSW on Tel: 1800-ENABLE (1800-362-253) or at enable@hsupport.health.nsw.gov.au