16 / 32
16
in the
Hunter
Working
My name is Kylie Jones and
I have been working within
the Spinal Cord Injury network
for over 20 years, the majority
of this time here in Newcastle.
I have recently started
working for ParaQuad NSW
as the Regional Clinical
Services Supervisor/Clinical
Nurse Consultant.
The Hunter area has certainly had
the spotlight shining on it for the
past 3 years. I would like to think it
was because of the diverse landscape,
from white sandy beaches to the lush
green rolling hills of the vineyards, or
because of the vibrant art, craft and
food markets. But no - it is because
of something called The National
Disability Insurance Scheme!
The NDIS commenced in the
Newcastle local government area
mid 2013, followed by Lake Macquarie
and then Maitland. Like any new
scheme, there have been positive
and negative aspects to it, and I am
sure many lessons have been learned.
But for the most part, I have seen
how it can offer people with
spinal cord injury (SCI), and other
disabilities, much more choice and
control over the way they choose
to live their lives.
From choosing what time to get up
in the morning to what (reasonable)
time to go back to bed at night,
to deciding on what food to buy
from the local supermarket then
having help in preparing a meal, to
participating in community activities
or learning a new skill - the NDIS
can help facilitate all of this. And it is
working. I have noticed so many more
people with a disability (the disability
that can be physically noticed) out
and about within the community, and
I have also seen first hand how
having access to better quality and
quantities of continence products
has improved people’s general health
and well being.
However, from my perspective,
I would still encourage people to
ensure that their basic personal
care and equipment needs will be
met within their plan - it is vital
that this is done right. By this I
mean, ensuring there is adequate
time and resources allocated for
personal care routines (toileting,
showering, dressing, seating) and
that the allocation of day to day
consumable equipment such as
catheters and leg bags is both
suitable and adequate to the
person’s needs. Without these
basics supports, it is difficult to
achieve other identified goals.
For some people the thought of
transitioning over to the NDIS
may seem a little confusing - and
possibly even scary!
My best advice would
be - just be prepared,
you know what you
need – don’t be afraid
to ask
And ParaQuad NSW is always here
to help – something I am looking
forward to being a part of.
Kylie Jones
Regional Clinical Services
Supervisor
ParaQuad NSW
Phone: 02 8741 5600
The trial site for the
National Disability
Insurance Scheme