More money for Tas Community Equipment Scheme
The Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, has announced additional one-off funding to address unmet need in Tasmania’s Community Equipment Scheme.
Ms Giddings said an additional $855 000 would be provided this financial year for non-standard equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, hoists and powered scooters required by clients on the waiting list.
”One of the key goals of Tasmania’s Health Plan is early intervention and the prevention of injuries and illnesses, and the Community Equipment Scheme makes an important contribution to that goal,” Ms Giddings said.
“The additional $855 000 will make a very big difference to people who need specialised equipment to help them live safely and independently in the community.
“They may be carers, or older people, people with disabilities, or those recovering from injury or illness and recently out of hospital.
“This funding will also assist carers to provide care and support more safely in the home and lessen the risk of injury to themselves as they care for their clients or loved ones.
Ms Giddings said the additional $855,000 would enable substantial inroads to be made into waiting lists and waiting times.
Demand on the Community Equipment Scheme has been growing in recent years and at the same time improvements in technology have resulted in escalating costs of equipment.
