08 November 2007

Review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People

NSW Minister for Health, Reba Meagher, today released the NSW Government's response to a major review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP). Ms Meagher said the extensive review undertaken by Pricewaterhouse Coopers focused on three key issues of PADP: management and administration, target population and demand, and budgetary requirements and financial management.

The report made 30 recommendations.

"The recommendations of the review provide an opportunity to develop an integrated, consistent, cost-effective and equitable approach to the delivery of all NSW Health disability support services," Ms Meagher said.

"A key recommendation of the review is that all PADP functions be transferred from the current arrangements under 23 Lodgement Centres across NSW to one statewide administration.

"This 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."

The Minister said savings from these changes will be used to provide better equipment services for people with disabilities.

A new unit called EnableNSW has been 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 Minister said the NSW 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 for people with disabilities 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," Ms Meagher said.

Ms Meagher said that core program funding in 2007/08 for PADP is $24.2M - an increase of 133% since 2000/01.

Related links:

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au