SWEP is excited to introduce our Adults & Children’s Clinical Advisor Panels which will support the development of a consistent and high quality approach to equipment provision for people with disabilities and the frail aged in Victoria.
The Clinical Advisor Panels are made up of highly skilled professionals from the Allied Health & Continence Nurse disciplines that have particular knowledge and skills in community-based services for people with disabilities and the frail aged in the areas of wheelchair prescription, beds and transfer equipment, home modifications and environmental controls, orthotics, mobility equipment and continence equipment.
The Clinical Advisor Panels will be responsible initially for:
development of equipment prescription standards and lists,
development of a prescriber credentialing model and process,
development of quality control systems;
The Clinical Advisor Panels will have an ongoing role in an advisory capacity to assist SWEP and our registered prescribers for complex prescriptions.
Acushla has a long history working as a clinical speech pathologist in the regional health care environment. She has worked with paediatric and adult inpatients and outpatients in acute, sub acute and community settings
More recently Acushla has held leadership and management positions in speech pathology and allied health. She has a particular interest in improving equitable access to quality allied health and support services for children. As Children’s Service Manager she will be working closely with SWEP Program Managers and the Clinical Advisory Panels to ensure children and their families requiring SWEP support have equitable and timely access to quality services across the state.
Andrea Nolan
Andrea Nolan Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Home Modifications
Specialised Beds/Matresses Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)
Graduate Certificate Diabetes Educatio
Andrea has broad and extensive professional experience working in a variety of roles with clients in Community Health, Mental Health, Aged Care and Disability settings. She has a particular interest in the design and modification of environments to support quality lifestyles for people living with disabilities.
Anne Mackay
Anne Mackay Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Specialised
Beds/Matresses (Adults and Children)
Wheelchairs/Scooters, Specialized Seating,
Pressure cushions (Adults and Children)
Specialised Bathing/Toileting Equipment (Adults and Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy),
Graduate Diploma Ergonomics
Anne has extensive experience in equipment prescription for adults & children with complex needs. She has worked at a number of organisations including community health, the WorkSafe & TAC systems and has been at Scope for over 10 years. Anne has been involved in the development of assessments and training packages within the disability sector. She brings to SWEP a depth of knowledge in Complex Seating, Wheelchair prescription, Bed systems, Showering & Bathing equipment. and the requirements from a users and carers point of view. Anne has a good understanding of the needs for Home Modifications and Pressure Care requirements for a person with complex needs.
Belinda Collins
Belinda Collins Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Transfer Equipment/Hoists/Slings (Adult)
Specialised Bathing/Toileting Equipment (Adult)
Wheelchairs/Scooters/Seating/Pressure (Adult) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy,
Master of Occupational & Environmental Health
Belinda has 10 years of experience in assessment, treatment and equipment prescription for adults with severe and multiple disabilities. She has worked in acute, rehabilitation and community settings and currently works in the disability sector.
Belinda takes a person-centred approach in her work with clients, and the people and organisations that support them. She brings to the SWEP knowledge in assessment, equipment prescription for complex disability, and credentialing
Ben McMurtrie
Ben McMurtrie Discipline:
Orthotist SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Orthotics (Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Prosthetics & Orthotics)
Ben graduated in 1989 and has worked in both the private and public sector since then. He started his own orthotic practice, Geelong Orthotics in 1997 and continues to provide both private and public orthotic services in Geelong. Ben is involved with the Deakin Medical school and lectures in orthotics for the medical students. He has a particular interest in complex musculo-skeletal and paediatric conditions.
Ben was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2002 which took him to the USA, England and Europe to investigate current orthotic techniques for managing children with Cerebral Palsy. Ben finds a growing and dynamic profession with new innovations and options for managing conditions rewarding.
Carlee Holmes
Carlee Holmes Discipline:
Physiotherapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Wheelchairs/Scooters/Seating/Pressure Cushions (Adult)
Mobility and Standing Equipment (Adult) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
Master of Physiotherapy (Neurology)
Carlee has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of adult neurological conditions including equipment prescription (wheelchairs, postural equipment and cushions, standing frames, gait aides, hoists and slings and bed positioning aides). This experience has been gained in England and several public and private sector hospitals within Melbourne, as well as private practice.
Carlee brings to the SWEP a depth of knowledge in the credentialing process, complex Wheelchair prescription, and postural management of a wide range of neurological conditions. Carlee has presented at several APA accredited courses including “Understanding Wheelchair Prescription” (2010) and presented at “Clinical Treatment Options for Improving Gait in Adults with Cerebral Palsy” in 2011as well as numerous hospital wide education forums. Carlee has extensive experience in the area of spasticity management including current employment in a spasticity clinic.
Catherine hasa specialty in pressure ulcer prevention, seating prescription and working with complex, high-level care clients. She is a member of the Australian Pressure Ulcer Advisory Committee (APUAP). Catherine operates a private practice, consulting and conducting education to undergraduate, and graduate OT’s, Physiotherapists and Nurses and has presented at state, national and international conferences. She is a senior clinician at Royal Melbourne Hospital, specializing in Spina Bifida.
Catherine has jointly been instrumental in setting the recommended minimum standards for hospital foam mattresses in Victoria.
David Harraway
David Harraway Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Environmental Control Units
(Adults and Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
David works full time at ComTEC Yooralla, an assistive technology advisory service. He assists people with disabilities and their teams with problem solving solutions in the areas of equipment for communication, computer access, mounting, and environmental control. David has presented at local, national and international conferences and is passionate about the potential Assistive Technology has to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Dee Waldron
Dee Waldron Discipline: SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Transfer Equipment/Hoists/Slings Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Australia)
Diploma of Dental Therapy (UK)
Originally from the UK working as a Dental Therapist, Dee changed professional direction to study OT after settling in Australia. She is now a Senior Clinician with 14 years OT experience working in the Assistive Technology (AT) arena. This includes advice on AT options to clients, carers and health professionals and in a previous position, education and practical sessions in a variety of equipment areas to tertiary students.
Publications include Australian Occupational Therapy Journal in March 2008, Independent Living Journal 2008, 2003 and 2000, In Touch MS magazine 2008 and The Wanderer 2009 on various areas of Assistive Technology.
In 2004 and 2006, through the Ethel Temby Study Award, Dee researched the area of Assistive Technology data bases and service delivery in New Zealand, UK and Denmark.
Elaine is a registered nurse and currently is the Team Leader/ Continence Nurse Consultant at Western Continence Service, Sunshine Hospital. She has had extensive community nursing experience including the past 15 years in Consultancy roles at WCS and RDNS in Continence management.
Elaine’s expertise in continence is with adults including gynaecology, urology, neurological and aged. Presently Elaine is on the advisory committee for the Awareness of Incontinence in Ethnic Communities project with the Victorian Continence Resource Centre (Continence Foundation of Australia). Elaine is currently Secretary of the Nursing for Continence Special Interest Group (Victoria) and in the past has organized many education activities for the group.
Elise is a physiotherapist with extensive experience in assessment, treatment, and equipment prescription for children with multiple and physical disabilities.
She has worked in the disability sector for 15 years and for the last 10 years she has been working at and Coordinating GoKids, a Mobility Advisory Service for children, the only service of it’s kind in the state. Elise brings a range of experience and skills to SWEP which have been learnt and refined through time spent with adults and children in Early Childhood Intervention Services, schools and day and adult services
Emma Fredrickson
Emma Fredrickson Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Wheelchairs/Scooters/Seating/Pressure
Cushions (Adult) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)
Emma is an Occupational Therapist working in a large metropolitan health network. She has worked in Community Therapy Services for 6 + years. She has extensive experience in the assessment, treatment and recommendation of aids and equipment for people with complex neurological disorders such as MS and MND.
Emma’s area of interest is postural management, seating and wheelchairs. Her recent professional development was a course in Oxford UK on postural management for people with complex disabilities.
Fiona Sheehan
Fiona Sheehan Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Home Modifications (Adult)
Transfer Equipment/Hoists/Slings (Adults) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)
Fiona has worked in adult inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, community rehabilitation and in recent years has focussed on working with adults in community settings. She has worked with a wide range of client groups, including clients with neurological, respiratory, vascular, burn, orthopedic conditions and general debility.
As a community OT Fiona assesses complex situations to enable the client to stay at home and to have the most independence possible. Fiona has worked at Goulburn Valley Base Hospital, Caulfield General Medical Centre, Alfred Hospital, Wellesley Central Hospital (Toronto) and Ballarat Health Services.
Fiona brings to SWEP current knowledge backed by many years experience in home modification and equipment prescription.
Helen Fearn-Wannan
Helen Fearn-Wannan Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Transfer Equipment/Hoists/Slings (Adult)
Home Modifications (Adult and Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy
Helen previously worked in the community health sector and has now specialized in the area of buildings and access for people with disabilities. Helen has worked for Scope in the Building Advisory Service for ten years and is involved in the planning of all new and renovated houses and centres which Scope runs.
Helen also works for a private access consultants firm and has worked on a wide range of projects in both the residential and commercial areas.
Helen brings to SWEP knowledge of the needs of people with high support needs and the support staff who work with them and a detailed knowledge of the Australian Standards for access and mobility.
Janelle Johanson
Janelle Johanson Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Wheelchairs/Scooters/Seating/Pressure
Cushions (Adult)
Environmental Controls (Adult) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Certificate IV in Training and
Assessment
Janelle has over seven years experience working with adults who have severe and multiple physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities. Her technical skills facilitate individuals and their support team to achieve lifestyle goals and access required supports within day program, residential and home based settings.
Janelle has specialised in the prescription of complex manual and powered mobility equipment, including the integration of communication and environmental controls systems.
In 2010 Janelle was awarded an Ethel Temby Study Tour Award and used this opportunity to visit wheelchair and seating clinics in Perth, the United Kingdom and Europe. This project explored how people with a disability can be fully engaged in the process of choosing their own mobility equipment regardless of any communication limitations. Through her training qualifications, Janelle brings the additional skills of evaluation and mentoring to the SWEP program.
Jo has 28 years experience as an Occupational therapist including: Adults – acute neuro-surgery, plastic surgery, general and rehabilitation; Pediatrics’ – acute neuro-surgery, plastic surgery, burns unit and ICU; Community Health; and Assistive Technology including children’s wheelchair clinic, complex seating, education, information manager and assessment of complex clients under the IHAS scheme.
Kellie Griffin
Kellie Griffin Discipline:
Speech Pathology SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Electronic Voice
Aids and Voice Prostheses
(Adult and Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Speech Pathology (Hons)
Post Graduate Certificate Dysphagia
Kellie is a Senior Clinician currently practicing at a major regional health service with specialisation in the area of head and neck oncology. Kellie’s current role includes clinical supervision for both colleagues and students in the management of clients following laryngectomy.
Kellie is currently a member of the Speech Pathology Australia Laryngectomy Clinical Practice Guideline working party and due to complete specialist training in surgical voice restoration through Imperial College London in July 2011.
Krishen is an accredited Occupational Therapist with over 20 years experience as a clinician and manager both in Australia and overseas. He has presented in a number of National Conferences held by Occupational Therapy Australia and Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Associations.
As a clinician Krishen has a keen interest in Assistive Technology and its application in improving independence of people with impaired function. In his previous role worked as a manager of Victorian Aids & Equipment Program at Southern Health, Victoria.
Lawrencehas many years experience working as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings including rehabilitation, community health, case management and equipment prescription. Having worked extensively with clients who have undergone physical trauma and clients with disabilities Lawrence has developed specialist knowledge and expertise in home modifications and equipment to enhance independent living.
Lawrenceis a past Board Member of the Case Management Society of Australia and has been an advisor around equipment and access issues for several major insurance companies. He currently works part time in rural community health and in private practice.
Leah Picking has worked for over 17 years with children and adults with physical disabilities. She has extensive experience in the prescription of seating and mobility equipment. She has worked with children and adults with severe physical disability who often have complex seating and positioning needs. She has worked for various non profit organizations in mainstream and special educational settings and community based facilities. She enjoys working closely with families and other care givers to achieve best outcomes for her clients.
Leah continues to develop her knowledge through attending and conducting regular professional development in the areas of equipment prescription. She has a particular interest in seating and positioning and the impact this has upon personal care.
Libby French
Libby French Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Home Modifications (Adult)
Transfer Equipment/Hoists/Slings (Adult) Qualifications:
Diploma of Occupational Therapy
Masters in Occupational Therapy
Libby is an occupational therapist with extensive experience as a clinician both in the hospital and community sector. Libby has worked in aged care assessment, palliative care and HACC programs developing a depth of knowledge in equipment prescription and home modifications.
In her current role Libby has represented OT within BHS on Falls Harm Minimalisation Working Group, Bariatric Advisory Group, Product Evaluation and Standardisation Committee and is a member of OT Australia SIGs. Libby’s area of interest is enabling environments and issues related to aged care.
Lisa Kelly
Lisa Kelly Discipline:
Occupational Therapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Specialised Bathing/Toileting Equipment (Children)
Specialised Beds/Bed Accessories/Mattresses (Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)
Lisa has extensive experience in assessment, treatment and equipment prescription for children with physical disabilities. She has worked in the community, special schools and acute paediatric settings here and in the United Kingdom where she trained as a Bobath Therapist.
Lisa brings to SWEP a depth of knowledge in paediatric bathing, beds and pressure care.
Lisa Wragg
Lisa Wragg Discipline:
Nursing (Continence) SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Continence Equipment (Adult) Qualifications:
BA Nursing, RDNS
Promoting Continence Course,
Graduate Diploma Business Management,
Certificate IV Assesssment and workplace training
Lisa is a Continence Nurse Consultant and has 20 years clinical experience in the field of continence assessment and management for children and adults suffering with incontinence. She has worked in a variety of health care settings including the development and implementation of the National Continence Helpline which was one of the first initiatives to be funded through the Commonwealth Government National Continence Management Strategy in 1998.
Lisa was recently published in 2010 Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal and continues to be an active member of the Australian Nurses for Continence working on the competency standards for Continence Nurse Advisors.
Liz Martin
Liz Martin Discipline:
Physiotherapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Wheelchairs/Scooters/Seating/Pressure
Mobility and Standing Equipment (Children)
Transfer Equipment/Hoists/Slings (Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
Liz has over 20 years experience as a physiotherapist and has more recently focused on the areas of paediatrics and rehabilitation. Liz has published papers in paediatrics and rehabilitation and she is currently working in the public, private, and disability sectors.
Her primary areas of focus for the SWEP are transfers and standing equipment, and wheelchairs.
Megan is an Occupational Therapist with extensive experience in assessment, treatment and equipment prescription for those in the community and rehabilitation settings. Her areas of expertise and interests include manual handling, safe health care provision, equipment prescription and pressure care.
Megan has worked at a variety of different organizations in Melbourne, which have provided her with a broad range of knowledge and experience. As a clinical advisor for SWEP, she will be focusing her expertise in the areas of transfer equipment and beds and mattresses.
Penny Chapman
Penny Chapman Discipline:
Speech Pathology SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Electronic Voice
Aids and Voice Prostheses
(Adult and Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Applied Science
(Speech Pathology)
Penny has been employed as the ENT/Head and Neck Senior Speech Pathologist at a major metropolitan health service for the past 11 years. She has specialist clinical skills in the area of laryngectomy management (including TEP voice restoration), Fibre optic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and tracheostomy management. Penny has been a facilitator of the St. Vincent’s Hospital Rural Mentoring Program assisting rural Speech Pathologists in Victoria up skill in the specialist area of laryngectomy. Penny is also the convenor of the Victorian Speech Pathology Head and Neck Special Interest Group. She has presented research papers at recent Speech Pathology Australia conferences on FEES in the laryngectomy patient population and pre-operative education and counselling for Head and Neck cancer patients.
Ruth has extensive experience in the area of paediatric orthotics. Ruth graduated in the UK, and worked as the principle orthotist at a large acute hospital, specialising in paediatric and spinal orthotics. She has lectured in orthotics and biomechanics at two major UK universities, has taught the Ponseti method of treating clubfoot in several countries around the world, and set up National clubfoot programs in Laos and Papua New Guinea.
Before moving to Australia Ruth spent 5 years in Laos, helping to develop their national Government run P&O service.
Sarah Evans
Sarah Evans Discipline:
Occupational Therapist SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Home Modifications (Adult)
Transfer Equipment/Hoists/Slings (Adult) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science. (Biology & Psychology)
Master of Science. (Occupational Therapy)
Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management
Sarah has worked for the last seven years as an Occupational Therapist across various clinical, educational and research settings in Canada, the UK and Australia. Her clinical work has focused on adult community health and neuro-rehabilitation. She has been involved with the assessment and provision of many complex items of assistive technology across diagnostic groups; and carries out teaching and training for therapists, supports workers, families & clients in the selection and use of assistive technology.
Shirley Whitaker
Shirley Whitaker Discipline:
Nursing (Continence) SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Continence Equipment (Adult and Children) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Nursing (Post Registration)
Certificate in Continence Management
Graduate Certificate in Health - Advanced Continence Nurse Specialist
Shirley is a Division 1 Registered nurse for the past 34 years and has a background in paediatrics, urology and aged care.
She has been employed in a clinical role as a Clinical Nurse Consultant-Continence for the past 13 years and is a member of the Continence Foundation of Australia and Australian Nurses for Continence.
Steve Gladstones
Steve Gladstones Discipline:
Orthotist SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Orthotics (Adult) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics
Steve has been working as a clinical Orthotist since graduating in 1989 with exposure to both public and privately based orthotic provision. He has developed experience in all aspects of orthotic management and enjoys working in a team environment. He has established an understanding of the specific Orthotic needs of complex conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, polio and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, amongst many others.
Steve’s focus at this stage of his career is on Rehabilitation based orthotic devices such as FES Foot Drop devices and his high risk Diabetic clientele of which the challenges can be great.
As a member or the SWEP Orthotic clinical advisory team Steve looks forward to assisting prescribers.
Yvonne Duncan
Yvonne Duncan Discipline:
Physiotherapy SWEP Position:
Clinical Advisor –
Wheelchairs/Scooters/Seating/Pressure
Mobility and Standing Equipment Qualifications:
Diploma of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
Yvonne has extensive experience in assessment, treatment, and equipment prescription for adults with Spinal Cord Injuries, Acquired Brain Injury and Progressive Neurological Conditions. She has worked in the UK, USA and here in Australia developing skills in the assessment and prescription of complex wheelchair and seating needs, pressure care, standing and mobility equipment and in the maintenance of wellbeing for Assistive Technology Users.
Sarah Macneil
Discipline
Occupational Therapist SWEP Position
Clinical Advisor –
Home Modifications (Adult)
Specialised Bathing/Toileting Equipment (Adult) Qualifications:
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Post Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care
Sarah is a Senior Clinician Occupational Therapist at a large regional Health Service. She has significant experience working in the areas of neurology, orthopaedics, progressive neurology, amputees, oncology and palliative care. She has worked in acute, rehabilitation, community and occupational rehabilitation settings, in a variety of locations throughout Australia and the UK.
Sarah represented Victoria’s rural OTs in the Department of Human Services’ 2003 review of the A&EP Home Modifications category, and has also had experience as an A&EP service provider.
Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in home modifications and equipment prescription to her role as a Clinical Advisor to SWEP.
Sarah Jayne Ziegerink
Discipline: Nursing (Continence) SWEP Position
Clinical Advisor –
Continence Equipment (Children) Qualifications:
BA Health Science – Nursing;
Certificate in Continence Promotion; RDNS Certificate IV – Disability Work; Chisholm
Sarah is currently a Clinical Nurse Consultant-Stomal Therapy/Continence in a Developmental Medicine Department. Sarah has 12 years clinical experience in continence assessment and management of both Children and Adults. She has worked at a variety of health care facilities, the last 10 years has taken a more Paediatric focus at recognised paediatric settings. She was part of the Advisory group for “One step at a time”: A parent’s guide to toilet skills for children with special needs; published in 2010 and a contributor to the booklet “All you need to know about catheterisation (CIC)” published 2010.
