Wheelchair and Seating Outreach Service
This is a resource for disabled people and their wheelchair and seating assessors. It gives easy access to wheelchair and seating product and support for assessment. Referrals are made after the specialised wheelchair and seating assessor has worked with the disabled person to complete an assessment. The referral includes background, social, occupational and clinical information. Goals for mobility and seating are stated. The Specialised Assessor gives an indication of the disabled person's needs in wheelchair, cushion, back or seating system and identifies any accessories required and the reasons for them.
The service offers:
- Disabled people a coordinated and speedier service for trial of wheelchair and seating options.
- Outreach appointments at a wheelchair accessible venue.
- Coordination of requested product from multiple suppliers (available at one place at one time).
- Access to information on possible alternative product.
- Technician support.
- Advice and support from a coordinator who is an Occupational Therapist.
- Supplier support.
- Easy access to recycled equipment and components for trial.
- Support when funding application decisions are difficult or unpopular.
- Availability of pressure mapping to assist in choice of cushions and backs.
- Access to specialised seating system assessments.
The role of the Wheelchair and Seating Outreach Coordinator:
- Contacting Reissue Store about availability of reissuable assets prior to trial of new product.
- Contacting various suppliers to arrange product options for trial on one day.
- Being a technician as well as a therapist.
- Being the sole source of knowledge about products.
- Signing off for invoicing.
Using the Outreach Service can add value in the following ways:
- Reduction in Specialised Assessor time.
- Nothing is too simple or too complex. Any wheelchair or seating options are considered.
- Opportunity for learning: new colleagues can come to acquire skills and knowledge.
- Applications that are sent through the Outreach Service are assured of approval unless they cross the budget threshold.
- Where it is appropriate or essential the outreach service can be mobile.
Calendar of Clinic Locations
Hawkes Bay
Wanganui
Palmerston North / Levin
Masterton
Porirua
Lower Hutt
Nelson Marlborough
West Coast
Canterbury / South Canterbury
Otago
Southland