State-Wide Equipment Service - frequently asked questions
In this page:
1. Why is a statewide service being implemented for Aids and Equipment, Domiciliary Oxygen and Continence Aids?
The primary intention of a single statewide provider is to provide people with more equitable and timely access to equipment and services. The new model will improve the way we help people with a disability and enable them to live as independently as possible in the community.
2. Who will be the statewide service provider?
After an extensive procurement process, Ballarat Health Services has been appointed as the statewide service provider for the Aids and Equipment, Domiciliary Oxygen and Continence Aids Programs.
3. Where will the statewide service be located?
The statewide service is located in Ballarat at the Global Innovation Centre, Mt Helen. The statewide service has been named the State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP).
4. How do I contact the state-wide equipment program?
SWEP can be contacted Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.
Tel: 1300 747 937
Fax: (03) 5333 8111
Email: swep@bhs.org.au
Website: http://swep.bhs.org.au/
5. What will happen to the current issuing centres for aids and equipment?
A comprehensive transition phase is being undertaken between December 2010 and June 2011. Current issuing centres will gradually transition to the statewide service.
6. What order will the issuing centres be phased over to the statewide service?
Transition to the SWEP will be undertaken gradually in six separate groups over a period of four months from 6 December 2010 – 4 April 2011.
Each group have been geographically aligned with either a rural or metroploitan issuing centre. The transition will commence with the rural issuing centres first (groups 1 and 2) followed by the metropolitan issuing centres (groups 3 to 6).
Rural Centres
- Group 1 – 06 December 2010
- Group 2 – 17 January 2011
Metropolitan
- Group 3 – 14 February 2011
- Group 4 – 28 February 2011
- Group 5 – 14 March 2011
- Group 6 – 04 April 2011
Fact sheets are available for consumers, prescribers and suppliers detailing the transition of services.
Please visit the SWEP website for more information:
7. Will there be a separate model for rural and metropolitan areas?
The same model of service will be implemented for the provision of aids and equipment in metropolitan and rural areas. This will ensure all Victorians have the same access regardless of where they live. For most rural areas there will be an increased service as there will now be a guaranteed service operating five days a week. Statewide services such as the Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme and the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme have already demonstrated that high quality services can be provided to rural areas by a statewide provider. People will not be required to travel to receive their aids and equipment.
8. Will there be a separate service for children's aids and equipment?
Timely provision of aids and equipment is important to children. The new statewide service provider will administer the provision of aids and equipment to children and adults. The new statewide 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.
9. What will happen to the Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme?
Ballarat Health Services is the current service provider for the Vehicle Modifications Subsidy Scheme (VMSS). The VMSS will be integrated into SWEP. There will be no change to the current service delivery of this scheme and business will continue as normal.
10. Is the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program included in the new state service model?
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 statewide service.
11. What will happen to the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme?
In the immediate future the scheme will continue to operate in its present form. The service may be integrated into the statewide service at a later stage. Timing for this integration is yet to be determined.
12. Will people receiving aids and equipment have to do anything different?
People should not notice any change and the program will continue business as usual. People will continue to deal individually with their local prescribing therapist. As the new service matures, people can expect reduced waiting time and easier access through a single contact point. People will be advised in writing of any change that will affect them.
13. What is a clinical advisor?
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 people's needs for wheelchairs or pressure care.
14. What will the role of the clinical advisor be?
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 people's needs and provide policy guidance on the types of aids and equipment available.
15. What portfolios will the clinical advisors carry?
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
- Continence aids
16. Will there be any changes to the types of available aids or equipment?
There are no immediate plans to increase subsidy levels or change the range of equipment.
17. How do I continue to access the programs?
People wishing to access any of the programs are to continue to liaise with their local prescribing therapists and local issuing centre as usual.
Prescribing therapists are to continue to deal with the local issuing centre until such time as they are notified otherwise. Detailed communications with prescribing therapists and issuing centres will be undertaken by Ballarat Health Services and the Department of Human Services as each issuing centre transitions.
