Landmark NDIS plan decision

Nursing services funded by agency

SPINAL Life Australia member Wendy Adams has become one of the first Australians to have nursing services funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Toowoomba resident hopes she’s also not the last.

Ms Adams was previously receiving funding for nursing services under her Your Life Your Choice plan and learned that her funding would not continue after she transitioned to the NDIS.

She successfully appealed this decision and will now receive funding for an hour a day of essential nursing services at home, such as pressure sore care, skin health checks and catheter changes.

Ms Adams said nursing services were essential to prevent serious health issues developing as a result of her spinal cord injury.

“To expect someone with a disability to spend hours each day waiting at a doctor’s office or emergency room or needing to pay for daily visits out of their own pocket just isn’t sustainable,” she said.

“I’m very happy with the results of the appeal, but it should also apply to everyone with a disability who needs it.”

Her win coincides with Disability Action Week (September 9-15).

The National Disability Insurance Agency recently advised they were working with the Queensland Government’s Department of Health to further clarify where responsibilities lie for nursing services.

Spinal Life CEO Michael Powell said he hoped this collaboration resulted in a positive outcome for all Australians with a disability.

Ms Adams received assistance from Legal Aid and Queensland Advocacy Incorporated to successfully appeal her decision.

Photo: Contributed BIG WIN: Toowoomba resident Wendy Adams, who has quadriplegia from a spinal cord injury, has recently become one of the first Australians to receiving nursing services funding under the NDIS after she appealed her plan.