Changes to the ALS

1. Changes to the ALS • As of 1 July the NSW ALS will based at Health Support in Chatswood under the auspices of EnableNSW. • EnableNSW is the new organisation which will responsible for the administration of  PADP, the NSW ALS and the Home Respiratory Programs (Home Oxygen Service, Ventilator Dependent Quadriplegia Program and the Children's Home Ventilation Program). • Practically, other than a location and contact detail change, initially there will be few changes to the service provided by the ALS.  The budget will remain separate and will always be separate from any of the other programs. • Amputee and PAPD Advisory Committees to be disbanded, while the other working parties that currently exist for the ALS - the Discretionary, Components and Accreditation Committees will continue to operate.

2. Changes to the ALS (continued) • There will be benefits in terms of sharing information between programs, exchanging knowledge between staff looking after the different programs and the introduction of a new website and IT system. • The EnableNSW website will be available from July 2008 dependent of DoH approval of content www.enable.health.nsw.gov.au • 1800 ENABLE - is a free call number that is available now for consumers and clinicians.

3. EnableNSW Governance – Purpose • To optimise the provision of the five NSW Health disability support services within its budget • To seek the input of key stakeholders in relation to: • Strategic plans and initiatives • Business or program improvement activities • The experiences of consumers of Enable services • To promote formal and informal communication between EnableNSW, HSS, amputees and other key stakeholders.

4. EnableNSW Governance – Three elements • An EnableNSW Advisory Council (ENAC) to facilitate the involvement of key stakeholders including clinicians and consumers of EnableNSW in the development of strategic policies, plans and initiatives • Program specific special purpose committees with a focus on business or program improvement in particular areas • Annual public consultations

5. EnableNSW Governance – What the new model provides • A higher level of reporting on matters of strategic importance • A more structured and focussed approach to seeking input for program improvement • A greater opportunity for consumers to provide feedback on their experiences of the program

6. EnableNSW Advisory Council • Reports to the Director-General through the Chief Executive, Health Support Services • Council chair will participate in biannual meetings of the AHS Advisory Committee chairs with the Director-General • Membership will include people who: • Have a disability including amputation or limb deficiency • Are experts in amputee care and service provision • Have experience in rural service delivery • First meeting in November 2008

7. EnableNSW Advisory Council • Expressions of Interest (EOI) released next week – will also be advertised in mainstream print media • Closing date for applications 28 July 2008

8. Special purpose working groups • Membership – people with expertise in the area and people who are consumers • ALS groups (existing plus new group) • Appeals • Componentry • Implementation of rigid dressings

9. Annual public forums • Roundtable discussions • ALS forums will be organised in consultation with the Amputee Association of NSW • Opportunity for consumers to provide direct feedback to EnableNSW about their experiences and their ideas to improve the ALS • Chaired by the Disability Council of NSW • First forums scheduled for March 2009