25/03/03
In an Australian first, Western Australia is implementing an innovative new medical service for people with disabilities.
Launching the Disability Services Commission's Health Resource and Consultancy Team and website, Disability Services Minister Sheila McHale said the new service would assist people with disabilities to access quality health care from
community-based medical services.
The service will also support GPs, hospitals and specialists to become more accessible and responsive to people with disabilities.
"Since the early 1990s, more people with disabilities worldwide have chosen to access community-based health and medical services rather than rely on special, segregated disability services," Ms McHale said.
"To ensure the health needs of people with disabilities are being met, the commission has established the new Health Resource and Consultancy Team to support both its clients and community-based health services.
"This is a unique service, as no other State or Territory in Australia has developed such a contemporary approach to include people with disabilities in mainstream medical services by providing information, support and expertise directly to the medical profession, helping them meet the needs of patients with disabilities."
Ms McHale said the concept had been developed following consultation with families, health professionals and community members throughout country and metropolitan areas during the past two years.
"During these consultations, we received a clear message that we should be doing more to support people with disabilities to access community-based doctors and other health professionals," she said.
"The new team will support Western Australians with disabilities to access information on health services, establish links with health providers including their local GPs, plan for their ongoing health needs, access services appropriate to their health needs and educate health providers about the health care needs of people with disabilities."
Ms McHale said the Disability Services Commission would continue to provide medical services to people with intellectual disabilities.
Information about the new service can be found on the commission's website at http://www.dsc.wa.gov.au
Minister's office: 9213 6900
