PADP Review - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the changes to PADP?Who will I contact if I need assistance?
What will be the benefits of the changes to PADP?
Will there be changes to the type of equipment available through PADP?
Will there be changes to the eligibility criteria for PADP?
When will the changes happen?
Why can’t the government just increase funding to PADP?
Where can people go for more information about the changes?
What are the changes to PADP?
The main change that will occur is the gradual centralisation of local PADP services centres into one statewide service.
Once the changes have been completed, PADP will be part of a new program called EnableNSW which will also look after:
- Home Oxygen Program
- Artificial Limb Service
- Ventilator Dependant Quadriplegic program
- Children's Home Ventilation program.
Who will I contact if I need assistance?
- Initially, the process for equipment application will remain the same. If you need equipment, you will still apply through your local PADP lodgement centre.
- After the changes have been made there will be a single point of contact if you need assistance from one or more of these programs.
- We will let you know of any changes to processes for equipment applications before these changes occur.
What will be the benefits of the changes to PADP?
The expected benefits from these changes are:
- A fairer and more consistent equipment service for people with physical disabilities regardless of where they live in NSW
- A single point of contact for clients accessing one or more programs for assistance
- More efficient service delivery allowing the program to assist more people within the available budget
- A higher standard of equipment prescription for consumers
Will there be changes to the type of equipment available through PADP?
PADP will continue to provide the same types of equipment to assist eligible residents of NSW who have a disability of a permanent or indefinite nature to live and participate within their community.
Will there be changes to the eligibility criteria for PADP?
No changes have been made to the current eligibility criteria.
The PADP Review recommends a number of changes to the financial eligibility criteria for the program. The Government is conducting further work on financial eligibility and co-payment requirements to ensure that they are reasonable, consistent with other similar government programs and do not impose financial hardship on an individual or family.
Consumers, clinicians and stakeholders will be informed about any changes to the financial eligibility criteria if these are to occur.
When will the changes happen?
The changes to PADP will be implemented gradually over an eighteen month period.
You and the health workers who assist you with your equipment needs will be provided with information about any changes before they are implemented.
We will work with the area health services to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements.
Why can't the government just increase funding to PADP?
The NSW government currently provides $24.2 million per annum to PADP. This represents an increase of 133% since 2000/01.
The independent PADP Review recommended that the Government implement major administrative reforms to improve the program's efficiency.
All savings achieved through program reforms will be redirected back into the program and used to purchase equipment for people with disabilities.
Demand for the program will be reviewed after these changes are made.
Where can people go for more information about the changes?
Access the Review of PADP and the NSW Government Response.
A central statewide information line for clients and clinicians has already been established 1800 - ENABLE (1800 362 253).
Initially this information line will provide people with general information only about the program, and you should still contact your local lodgement centre for information about your specific equipment needs.
Once the reforms have been completed, you will be able to use this number to obtain information about their specific equipment needs.
This web page is managed and authorised by Primary Health & Community Partnerships of the NSW Department of Health. Last updated: 31 March, 2009
