SWEP has been advised of a recall of the below listed items
Dear Continence Practitioners,
SWEP has recently become aware that some practitioners may be using and requesting open tip / supra-plus catheters for urethral use.
It is our understanding as per the TGA and manufacturer instructions that these types of catheters should only be used for supra-pubic purposes.
Thank you to everyone who has sought feedback from the State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) in recent months regarding funding for Assistive Technology (AT) items for consumer's who are under 65 years of age.
As a result of this feedback, SWEP has liaised with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to determine how we ensure that Victorian Government funds are only used to support eligible consumers. It is important to understand that consumers who can access funding for AT from other government programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are not eligible to access support for AT from the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VA&EP). In addition, consumers who can access funding from their private health insurer or from compensation, legal settlements or court awards for AT need to discuss their eligibility with SWEP.
Update to the SWEP funding of Bed sticks
SWEP has recently extended the contract with Independence Australia for continence products for a further 12 months. We have updated our database to reflect the most up-to-date contract items available. As part of the up-date we have removed all non-contracted, inactive and discontinued items from the database.
We have also revamped the non-contracted items picklist codes. If you require an item that is not contracted you will need to select the relevant code from the non-contracted items picklist codes and provide a quote from the supplier of your choice. This will apply to all applications and phone orders.
After many months of deliberation and quite an extensive tender and procurement process, SWEP would like to announce that Supagas has been contracted to supply oxygen for our Domiciliary Oxygen Program from July 1, 2019.
Our transition planning is based around minimal interruption for consumers and we are working with our suppliers to ensure that the new equipment is installed, and consumers are confident about using it, prior to removal of the Air Liquide Healthcare oxygen equipment. Please rest assured, there will be no changes to the 'package' of oxygen equipment that consumers are currently using.
With the recent introduction of our new contracted suppliers to the portal, you would have noticed many changes to how you can select items for your consumer.
Following development of a revised operating model for its administration of Home Modifications, the State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) established a panel of providers, known as the SWEP Builders and Tradespersons Panel. An open Expression of Interest process was undertaken and the Panel commenced operation in October 2017.
At its outset, the SWEP Builders and Tradespersons Panel sought improved reliability, accessibility, safety, capability, accountability, value and consumer outcomes in home modifications and greater protection for home owners. SWEP wishes to acknowledge the enthusiasm, commitment and support the SWEP Builders and Tradespersons Panel have provided to SWEP and our consumers since inception.
Following significant feedback and analysis of the Panel arrangement, SWEP has subsequently undertaken an extensive review of the SWEP Builders & Tradespersons Panel. Factors impacting the Panel have been varied, and both external and internal stakeholder feedback has been considered in this review. Common themes as well as stakeholder specific issues have emerged.
In February 2019, SWEP released a communique advising that due to increased demand on the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program (LCGP) we would need to waitlist applications for funding. At that time we also advised that we would send gap confirmation forms to consumers prior to placing them on the waitlist or raising an order.
A further review of our processes has now been undertaken following extensive feedback received from AT Practitioners. Effective immediately we will no longer be using or sending out gap forms for these applications. Those consumers who have already received a gap form will be notified of this change (along with their Practitioner), with their application transitioning straight to the waitlist.
We are trying to fill a critical role in our SWEP re-issue service at Chemtronics. This role supports OT's and Physio's prescribing complex power and manual wheelchairs.
We are seeking applications from interested practitioners who may wish to consider a 12 month role / secondment (maternity leave replacement).
