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ACC SERIOUS INJURY ADSVISORY GROUP UPDATE I have been involved with the ACC Serious Injury Advisory Group (SIAG) since I came to the role as CEO of the NZST in 2011. It forms part of ACC’s three ‘Voice of the Consumer’ groups, which includes us as the SIAG. We meet every two months. When I started, SIAG was made up of individuals and, at the end of 2012, it changed to include organisations as well as individuals. To me, it was important to have the individual’s voice stay in the group to keep it grounded. ACC’s Serious Injury category includes spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple amputees, vision impairment, and serious burns. Of course, I represent SCI. Brain injuries make up approximately 75% of ACC’s Serious Injury portfolio; spinal cord injuries approximately 20%; with the remaining 5% being multiple amputees, vision impairment, and serious burns. ACC has identified that there are systemic issues which they could be doing better on, and they want to improve this for the benefit of the end users. As a result, ACC has asked us, as representatives of the SIAG, to identify issues that affect our population. I went to our Connecting People Facebook group (check it out – it’s an awesome page!), and received a massive response which was brilliant. Personally I think it’s great that you all made the effort and I thank you for that. You’ll be wondering where we are at with all the issues that have been brought forward. other two ‘Voice of the Consumer’ Groups; • The COG prioritises all the issues, of which a small number then get presented to the ACC Executive, which then makes recommendations as to the action to be taken (realistically the ACC Executive can only deal with a few issues at a time). This seems, and is, a lengthy drawn-out process. We are dealing with a big bureaucracy here. Some issues are simple internal-process issues and can be addressed immediately; while others, which are legislative, cannot be actioned by ACC because the organisation is bound by Central Government statutes and laws. ACC is a very large corporation and things move slowly; however, we, as the SIAG, are working hard to get the main issues identified and actioned. I take my hat off to ACC for exposing themselves to constructive criticism in a bid to improve the outcomes for those of us with a serious injury. A positive outcome for us as end users is at the heart of ACC, and I do believe that they are serious about putting things right. It is a slow process, but it is one we must work with, so I thank all of you representing SCI for your input and, please, have patience: in the words of Rachael hunter, “it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen!” Ben Lucas CEO NZ Spinal Trust Briefly, the process is as follows: • The SIAG identifies the issues; • These issues get prioritised and we spend a lot of time making in-depth recommendations to remedy them. We can only work on a small number at each meeting; • The recommendations then get presented by our Chairman, Pati Umaga, to ACC’s Consumer Outlook Group (COG). The COG reports directly to the ACC Executive (Board); • The COG gets similar recommendations from the 20
TA iQ sets the New Standard The new TA iQ power chairs are designed to improve your outdoor drive comfort and access, while providing you with superior functionality indoors. So why is the TA iQ unique? Indoors: The TA iQ has the lowest floor to seat height of only 38cm/15”, lower than any other power chair. This allows you to easily sit at a desk or table, and improves your visibility and floor to ceiling height in a vehicle. Every TA iQ has the standard specification lift/elevation function of 30 cm (38-68 cm), allowing you to reach higher cupboards, benches, and basins. With a very small turning radius of only 45 cm, the TA iQ MWD can spin easily in tight spaces. Outdoors: The suspension on front and rear is very soft, providing a smoother ride when travelling over bumps and kerbs. The unique suspension design allows the TA iQ to climb over larger obstacles. Performance: The TA iQ is one of the fastest powerchairs with a top speed of 12.5km/h which it will reach in 3 seconds. With larger batteries as standard it also has an optimum range of 40km, so you will travel further, faster. Designed and manufactured in Denmark with quality European motors, actuators and controllers. Crash safety tested and approved in Denmark in accordance with international standards ISO 10542-5 and 7176-19 (2008). Available in mid wheel drive (MWD), rear wheel drive (RWD) and front wheel drive (FWD) configurations. So if you are evaluating a new power chair you have to try the TA iQ for yourself. You can ask for a demonstration to purchase direct, or ask your therapist to arrange a MOH or ACC trial, then you decide. Seat height: Only 38cm/15” Suspension: More comfortable Safer: Crash test approved Higher: 30 cm elevation Faster and Further: 12.5 km/h, 40km 0800 238 423 www.mortonperry.co.nz advice@mortonperry.co.nz 21
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Page 3 and 4: EDITORIAL Welcome to the third and
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Page 7 and 8: Allan Bean Centre Library Hours Mon
Page 9 and 10: Foundation. The work is now not far
Page 11 and 12: THANKS Bob Parker The recent Local
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Page 15 and 16: All Functions, Without Hospital Loo
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