Mr WOOD - 2005-03-23
Madam Speaker, my question is on your behalf as member for Braitling. There are currently more than 25 people in Alice Springs alone who suffer from lymphoedema. This condition requires specialised treatment and management, but there is a gap in these services because allied health professionals are under the Aged and Disability Program, which is not applicable to lymphoedema sufferers. In the government’s Central Australian Regional Plan for Health Services, identifying service gaps for people with chronic illness is identified as a specific issue. Could you please advise how this is being implemented, with particular reference for people with lymphoedema? Second, will the government introduce occupational therapy and physiotherapy positions in Alice Springs to cater for people with conditions that do not apply to the areas of aged and disability?
Mr Dunham interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Members of the opposition, I thought it was a very good question. I say to the people in the gallery that I cannot ask questions from the Chair, and that is why I have asked the member for Nelson to do it. It is rather petty of you, member for Drysdale, to interrupt.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I understand that Bosom Buddies wrote to the Centralian Advocate last week seeking people with lymphoedema to contact them in order to assess the level of service needed. I can report that the Alice Springs Hospital staff and members of Bosom Buddies are working closely together to identify the need and numbers of people who require treatment of the condition.
Lymphoedema occurs when a lymph vessel or node becomes blocked, preventing lymph fluid from passing along it, and can result in excess fluid build-up which causes swelling. The majority of Territorians who require treatment for lymphoedema have undergone treatment for cancer, of which this is a side effect. Currently, I understand there are around 20 people in Alice Springs who are receiving treatment for lymphoedema. The patients are accessing services in Alice Springs through a private physiotherapy service, through Alice Springs Hospital physiotherapy services, and with a private massage therapist. Note that this is critically important that treatment should only be carried out by a professional who has completed the specialised postgraduate short course. One of our hospital physiotherapists has this training. It includes fitting the special garments that are required. In addition, DHCS provides two garments per limb - one to wear and one to wash - per year free of charge.
On the broader issue of provision of occupational therapy and physiotherapy services, I can report that the Alice Springs Hospital currently employs three full-time equivalent physiotherapists and one full-time equivalent occupational therapist to provide services to the people of Central Australia. These services are provided on the basis of clinical need, and not age or disability status. Allied health professional positions are an essential part of the complement of the Alice Springs Hospital. They provide services relevant to the acute care needs and liaise with the allied health professionals in the community.
Madam Speaker, I will elaborate, at a personal level - I will certainly take a look at what comes out of the negotiations between Bosom Buddies and the hospital and make sure there is coverage.
Madam SPEAKER: For people listening, the minister undertook to work with Bosom Buddies to make sure that this service is implemented. I wanted to get that question on the record.
Mr Dunham interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Members of the opposition, I thought it was a very good question. I say to the people in the gallery that I cannot ask questions from the Chair, and that is why I have asked the member for Nelson to do it. It is rather petty of you, member for Drysdale, to interrupt.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I understand that Bosom Buddies wrote to the Centralian Advocate last week seeking people with lymphoedema to contact them in order to assess the level of service needed. I can report that the Alice Springs Hospital staff and members of Bosom Buddies are working closely together to identify the need and numbers of people who require treatment of the condition.
Lymphoedema occurs when a lymph vessel or node becomes blocked, preventing lymph fluid from passing along it, and can result in excess fluid build-up which causes swelling. The majority of Territorians who require treatment for lymphoedema have undergone treatment for cancer, of which this is a side effect. Currently, I understand there are around 20 people in Alice Springs who are receiving treatment for lymphoedema. The patients are accessing services in Alice Springs through a private physiotherapy service, through Alice Springs Hospital physiotherapy services, and with a private massage therapist. Note that this is critically important that treatment should only be carried out by a professional who has completed the specialised postgraduate short course. One of our hospital physiotherapists has this training. It includes fitting the special garments that are required. In addition, DHCS provides two garments per limb - one to wear and one to wash - per year free of charge.
On the broader issue of provision of occupational therapy and physiotherapy services, I can report that the Alice Springs Hospital currently employs three full-time equivalent physiotherapists and one full-time equivalent occupational therapist to provide services to the people of Central Australia. These services are provided on the basis of clinical need, and not age or disability status. Allied health professional positions are an essential part of the complement of the Alice Springs Hospital. They provide services relevant to the acute care needs and liaise with the allied health professionals in the community.
Madam Speaker, I will elaborate, at a personal level - I will certainly take a look at what comes out of the negotiations between Bosom Buddies and the hospital and make sure there is coverage.
Madam SPEAKER: For people listening, the minister undertook to work with Bosom Buddies to make sure that this service is implemented. I wanted to get that question on the record.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016