Single State-wide Service frequently asked questions and answers
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Questions
- When will a new service provider be appointed for the Aids and Equipment Program?
- What are the timeframes for the new state-wide service?
- What will happen to the current issuing centres for aids and equipment?
- Will there be a separate model for rural and metropolitan areas?
- Will there be a separate service for children’s Aids and Equipment?
- What will happen to the Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme?
- Is the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program included in the new state service model?
- What will happen to the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme?
- Will clients receiving aids and equipment have to do anything different?
- What is a clinical advisor?
- What will the role of the clinical advisor be?
- What portfolios will the clinical advisors carry?
- Will there be any changes to the types of available aids or equipment?
Answers
1. When will a new service provider be appointed for the Aids and Equipment Program?
A. The Department of Human Services will be undertaking an open and competitive selection process to select a stat- wide provider to administer the Aids and Equipment Program. Expressions of interest will be called for later in 2009, with appointment of a provider anticipated to be in early 2010.
2. What are the timeframes for the new state-wide service?
A. It is anticipated that a provider will be appointed in early 2010 and the new state-wide service will become operational in the later half of 2010.
3. What will happen to the current issuing centres for aids and equipment?
A. A comprehensive transition phase will occur where we will gradually move from the current system to the new state-wide service. Issuing centres will be gradually phased out. The transition period is expected to start in the later half of 2010 and be completed in early 2011.
4. Will there be a separate model for rural and metropolitan areas?
A. The same model of service will implemented for the provision of aids and equipment in metropolitan and rural areas. This will ensure all Victorians have the same access regardless where the live. No matter a client’s locality they will access the Aids and Equipment program from a single point. This will ensure equitable access and provide a single integrated waiting list. Clients will not be required to travel to receive their aids and equipment.
5. Will there be a separate service for children’s Aids and Equipment?
A. Timely provision of aids and equipment is important to children; the new state-wide service provider will administer the provision of aids and equipment to both children and adults. The new state-wide service will retain a specialist focus on children. The new service will provide support throughout all stages of life. As a child matures to adulthood they will not need to change service providers.
6. What will happen to the Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme?
A. The Vehicle Modifications Subsidy Scheme will continue to provide service in its current form. An evaluation review is currently being undertaken. Integration into the state-wide service will be considered following the evaluation.
7. Is the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program included in the new state service model?
A. There will be no changes to the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program and the program will continue as normal. There are no plans to integrate this program into the state-wide service.
8. What will happen to the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme?
A. In the immediate future the scheme will continue to operate in its present form. The service will be integrated into the state-wide service at a later stage. Timing for this integration is yet to be determined.
9. Will clients receiving aids and equipment have to do anything different?
A. Clients should not notice any change and the program will continue business as usual. Clients will continue to deal individually with their local occupational therapist. As the new service matures, clients can expect reduced waiting time and ease of access through a single contact point. All clients will be advised in writing of any change that will affect them.
10. What is a clinical advisor?
A. A clinical advisor will be an allied health professional with specific expertise and appropriate qualifications in their field. It is envisaged that there will be a number of clinical advisors engaged by the service that have specific expertise. For example, a clinical advisor may be an experienced occupational or physiotherapist with many years experience and interest in assessing clients needs for wheelchairs or pressure care.
11. What will the role of the clinical advisor be?
A. The role of the clinical advisor will include the review of applications for relevant types of equipment, provide advice to and support therapists who would like to discuss the client’s needs and provide policy guidance on the types of available aids and equipment.
12. What portfolios will the clinical advisors carry?
A. It is anticipated that there will be a clinical advisor available to consult on:
- paediatric equipment;
- mobility equipment;
- beds, bed related and transfer equipment;
- home modifications and environmental controls; and
- electronic communication devices.
13. Will there be any changes to the types of available aids or equipment?
A. There are no immediate plans to increase subsidy levels or change the range of equipment.