The Chief Allied Health Officer (CAHO) is a pivotal leadership and liaison role across the State between the State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP), Department of Health, Regional Offices, Health Services, Employers, Educators and AT Practitioners.
The CAHO provides leadership for all matters related to professional governance and AT Practitioner credentialing. This includes oversight of the SWEP AT Practitioner Registration and Credentialing Framework ensuring it is robust, credible and appropriate for the funding bodies to have confidence in the competency of SWEP registered AT Practitioners.
The Clinical Advisor panel reports directly to the CAHO providing expert advice on all matters related to Assistive Technology.
Associate Professor Donna Markham, Chief Allied Health Officer for the Statewide Equipment Program, is the former Victorian Chief Allied Health Officer, a certified organisational coach and registered occupational therapist who has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years.
Donna has held leadership roles within health services and the Victorian government, and has worked across health, disability, and community sectors. She has led many significant allied health reforms, workforce development changes and research projects and publications. Donna also led the implementation of the Allied Health Credentialing, Competency and Capability Framework.
Donna was a finalist for the Telstra Victorian Young Business Women's Award in 2014 and is a graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. Donna was awarded a medal of order (OAM) in 2022 for her contributions to health care administration.
The SWEP Clinical Advisory Panels consist of Clinical Advisors and Subject Matter Experts who are recognised leaders in their clinical field and a critical component of the clinical governance for SWEP.
The Clinical Advisors and Subject Matter Experts support the function of the Chief Allied Health Officer, SWEP by providing a panel of expert advice for each category of assistive technology or key components of professional governance.
Clinical Advisors and Subject Matter Experts ensure AT item applications across the State is safe, consistent, and of highest possible quality. Clinical Advisors are highly skilled and qualified health professionals with demonstrable high level experience in prescription and fitting of AT items in their specific realm of expertise.
To view the SWEP Clinical Advisor and Subject Matter Expert profiles, please select an area of expertise from the above to see the list of Advisors.
Click here to view our Clinical Advisor & Subject Matter Expert FAQ.
