As per previous communique's we would like to confirm that SWEP can only fund bed sticks that have a ball point or curved end and will not fund bed sticks that are single point without a ball point end.

We have conducted a review of applications and it appears that we have incorrectly accepted some applications for a Cobra bed stick, which do not meet the criteria for funding.   

The SWEP portal will be unavailable on Saturday 24^th July from 5pm - 10pm. Please ensure you are logged out prior to this time and any work is saved.  

If you are still logged in you will be exited from the portal and any unsaved work may be lost. 

We thank you for your patience. 

Regards

SWEP Management Team

SWEP have been advised of a voluntary product recall notice for the supplier Philips Australia.

Philips voluntarily decided to issue a global recall notification related to sound abatement foam used in specific Philips Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiLevel PAP) devices, and Mechanical Ventilators.

SWEP is seeking expressions of interest from Lymphoedema Therapists and Speech Pathologists to join our expert Clinical Advisory Panel.

We are seeking highly experienced clinicians who can demonstrate a minimum 10 years of experience prescribing lymphoedema compression garments or experience in voice aids, voice prothesis and laryngectomy consumables.  Clinicians should also be able to demonstrate participation in activities that contribute directly to maintaining their clinical competence and expertise.

Dear Practitioners

We have recently received some enquiries regarding home modifications funding in relation to home access points.

Under the Victorian Aids & Equipment Program (VA&EP) Guidelines, it has always been intended to provide a safe entry for one access point only to the dwelling, when applying funding for ramps, step modifications (for two or more steps including platform steps) and rails. Where a request is to allow access to a garage for means of accessing the community, this will also be seen as one access point to the dwelling.

Dear Practitioner

Our Continence Program supplier Independence Australia have advised us of the following short term closure due to a system upgrade:

We wish to advise of our closure from:   5pm Thursday April 22 to 8am Wednesday April 28

The way that custom-made medical devices are regulated is changing.

A new framework for regulating personalised medical devices will commence on 25 February 2021. Under the new framework most custom-made medical devices that are currently supplied in Australia will no longer be exempt from inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).  Any devices that will continue to be exempt will need to meet new requirements. If you manufacture, import or supply a custom-made medical device, you will be impacted by the changes and should review the guidance available on the TGA's website.

What's new? 

The Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VA&EP) provides eligible people with subsidised Assistive Technology (AT) to enhance independence in their home, facilitate community participation and support families and carers in their role.     

The State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) is pleased to announce that Pedorthists can now access this funding for eligible consumers in recognition of their expertise in the provision of customised and medical grade footwear, shoe modifications and orthoses in line with other funding agencies. This arrangement commences on 21st December 2020.

Over recent years there has been an increase in the type of mattresses advertised to have pressure relief or pressure prevention properties. SWEP would like to confirm the type of mattresses we can provide a funding subsidy towards.

Under the Victorian Aids & Equipment Program Operational Policies, for all AT categories, SWEP does not fund what would be considered normal household items, including standard mattresses for standard beds.  What we do fund is pressure reducing mattresses for hospital beds. 

SWEP recently completed our annual Consumer Survey, which identifies how satisfied our consumers are with the equipment/products they have received and their overall experience with SWEP and our services.  

We sincerely thank all survey participants and are delighted to share with you our results here

Dear Practitioner, 

SWEP have been reviewing our Practitioner online Portal and have made some changes to the Practitioner home page. These changes will take effect on 8th August. The link to login, how to log in and the application process will all remain the same and none of your registration details will change. 

The Application tab from the top right hand tool bar has moved and your applications can now be accessed by clicking on the tab on the front home page titled 'Complete and Manage Applications for Assistive Technology'.