Agreement on continuing high quality service for amputees

30/8/96

Western Australia's 1,200 amputees will continue to receive a high quality service and benefits from advanced treatment techniques and technology under an agreement announced today between the Federal and State Governments.

Health Minister Kevin Prince said the Health Department of WA would next year assume responsibility for the provision of prosthetic services to WA amputees.

The new State scheme would replace the Commonwealth's Artificial Limbs Scheme in WA on March 1, 1997. The Commonwealth-operated Repatriation Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre (RALAC), located at Hollywood Private Hospital, would close when the State takes over the service.

The privately-operated Orthotic Prosthetic Services and RALAC together make between 320 and 350 new limbs each year and repair about 1,100 items annually.

"The high standards set by the Repatriation Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre, and through the Orthotic Prosthetic Services Centre, will be maintained," Mr Prince said.

"The effect of this transfer will be that amputees in this State will have a more integrated health service and the best possible choice of suppliers."

The Minister said the March 1997 takeover would allow the Health Department sufficient time to implement new arrangements for the provision of prosthetic services to WA patients.

The Health Department would also consult with amputees, doctors and artificial limb suppliers over the delivery of the new service.

The State Government planned to invite tenders from the private sector to provide prosthetic services to WA amputee patients once the new scheme was introduced.

"We will consult with amputees and their doctors before we undertake this tender process to ensure a fair and equitable arrangement which will provide the best possible service and choice of suppliers to amputees," Mr Prince said.

All WA community amputees will be advised of the agreed transfer and changed arrangements.

About 70 per cent of WA's community amputees are elderly people who have suffered mostly vascular and diabetes-related illnesses.

Other amputees include war veterans, people born with limb deformities and adolescents and adults who have lost a limb due to a medical condition or been involved in car, industrial or another serious accidents.

The Commonwealth Government would continue to pay 85 per cent of the total cost of an amputee patient's artificial limb under the new arrangements, Mr Prince said.

People who hold a Health Care Card will continue to receive their artificial limb free of charge.

Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs Bruce Scott said the department would continue to cater for veterans' prosthetic needs and purchase these services under separate arrangements.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 366 0300