AT Practitioner news

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.

As 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 - 30^th August to 5^th September 2018

Independence Australia have advised they are updating their systems and will be closed from 4pm Thursday 30^th August and will reopen at 8am on Wednesday 5^th September 2018.

All orders placed with Independence Australia after 5pm on Tuesday 28^th of August will not be processed until they reopen on the 5^th of September.

• Additional functionality with supplier quotes   -

As previously communicated SWEP is launching a new database commencing 2nd July 2018.  However, the transition involves a high volume of data migration, from multiple sources. There will be a short-term, but unavoidable disruption to our systems. We will keep the consequent disruption to our services to a minimum.

Please read this communique carefully

SWEP will be launching a new database on 2^nd July 2018.  The new database will provide a user friendly experience for all users. We need your help to make sure the data we migrate to the new system is as accurate as possible.

Please read this communique carefully as there are some important actions you need to take to ensure your details and any draft applications you have are not missed. 

Due to a fire at Heartway's Taiwan warehouse in April 2018, we have been advised Heartway will not be supplying any parts until after September 2018 which will impact on repairs currently being undertaken or future repairs of consumers' equipment.

SWEP's contracted repairer, Chemtronics, has some parts from equipment held for reissue that can be reused. SWEP and/or Chemtronics will advise clients affected at the time of any likely delays.

Dear Prescribers,

Last year SWEP worked with our Clinical Advisors and Rehabilitation Engineer to review the prescription of bedding systems. This was a significant piece of work which aimed to develop tools and resources to assist clinicians to identify the most suitable bed and mattress for a person with a disability regardless of their size, weight or age.

There were several important outcomes to this project;

1. Changes to the prescription of beds with bedrail guidelines
2.  Introduction of an assessment tool for bed, mattress and bed equipment
3. Clinical considerations for bedrails and bed sticks sheet