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).
Dear SWEP Practitioners
We have recently become aware of the below advice on the NDIA website that may be useful and below is a summary of this.
We have recently identified advice about options for practitioners and participants in relation to both the process for and enquiries about assistive technology and home modifications for NDIS participants.
AT assessor, (practitioner) reports and quotes should be emailed direct to the relevant regional AT email inbox for Level 1 & 2 AT requests. Regional AT email inboxes addresses can be found here. Please note that SWEP can still manage Level 1 & 2 AT requests for NDIS participants, but this is entirely up to each participant.
The State-wide Equipment Program has been administering the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program since its transition from Mercy Health in 2017.
The program covers 40% to 60% towards the cost of compression garments for eligible consumers diagnosed with Lymphoedema.
In the past SWEP have been able to administer the program with no waitlist, but unfortunately due to the high volume of applications SWEP is receiving, as of January 2019 this will no longer be possible.
An exciting opportunity is available for an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to work at Chemtronics Direct as part of the SWEP and Chemtronics partnership.
The role is 12 month, part time (30 hours per week) contract based in Thomastown.
We have been working very hard on
improving our application process for all stakeholders, especially our Consumers and Prescribers.
Both
SWEP and the Department of
Health and Human Services recognise that the SWEP Prescriber
Registration and Credentialing Framework ensures that Prescribing
therapists have the skill and expertise
required to complete the "Confirmation of Disability" section of the
Eligibility form.
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 governanceAs a Prescriber, you have access to our Reissue equipment via the Reissue database. This allows you to source for your client, refurbished equipment that can be provided within 30 business days. Reissue equipment has no wait time for funding and can help reduce gap amounts for clients.
Independence Australia Closure - 30th
August to 5th September 2018
Independence Australia have advised they are updating their systems and will be closed from 4pm Thursday 30th August and will reopen at 8am on Wednesday 5th September 2018.
All orders placed
with Independence Australia after 5pm on Tuesday 28th of August will
not be processed until they reopen on the 5th of September.
