People with disabilities further disabled by equipment delays - 14 May 2008

As the NSW Government approaches budget time, people with disabilities are still waiting for long periods without access to wheelchairs and other essential equipment, aids and appliances.

In an attempt to prompt the Government into action, Greens MP Ian Cohen today moved a motion in the Upper House of the NSW Parliament calling for a minimum of an additional $13.5 million per annum to fix ongoing problems with the NSW Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP).

“In a wealthy state like NSW it’s simply not acceptable to keep people with a disability waiting up to two years - in some cases - for essential equipment,” said Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.

“It’s time for NSW Health to bring their policies into the 21st century. Without essential equipment, people with disabilities are at greater risk of suffering isolation and a lack of employment prospects, and there is potential for further injury.

“The Opposition pointed out yesterday that on Reba Meagher’s watch, waiting lists for surgery are growing. On top of that I’m hearing that hospital beds are being filled by otherwise healthy people that are hospitalised due to delays in the provision of essential equipment. Sometimes the delays are so long that secondary health problems develop that further compound the problem.

“The June 2006 PriceWaterhouseCoopers report titled “Review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People” stated that there is a potential demand for the PADP in the range of $35 million to $70 million compared to the current budget of $23.8 million.

“Under duress, NSW Health have agreed to an immediate injection of funding into the NSW Program of Appliances Disabled People (PADP) to clear the backlog of applications. They now need to step up to the plate and commit to delivering on the recommendations of their PADP report. The decline of services for people living in rural NSW is also a major concern.

“There have been plenty of studies to identify the problems, now we need some action. The next state budget provides an opportunity for the Government to put their money where their mouth is,” said Mr Cohen.