WCMT-Melissa-Kelly
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SECTION TWO - Key Areas to Address<br />
A strategic collaborative approach is needed<br />
In 2014, New Zealand released the ‘Spinal Cord Impairment Action Plan (SCIAP)’ which<br />
promotes “The best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for people with spinal cord<br />
impairment being achieved, which enhances their quality of life and ability to participate in<br />
society”.<br />
The Action Plan, outlines a vision, purpose, priorities and eight overarching objectives to help<br />
ensure the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for people with spinal cord impairment<br />
(SCI), enhancing their quality of life and ability to participate in society.<br />
In March 2012, ACC and the Ministry of Health jointly led a project to review New Zealand’s<br />
SCI services and develop a national implementation plan for improving them.<br />
The action plan states the following actions to address pertaining to vocational supports:<br />
1. Develop a plan to address gaps in vocational supports using a cost-effective model.<br />
2. Spinal rehabilitation services develop a process to include vocational support in discharge<br />
planning.<br />
3. ACC and the Ministry of Social Development to work together to develop a coordinated<br />
national vocational plan that prevents duplication and addresses gaps in vocational<br />
support for people with SCI.<br />
4. Explore the ACC weekly compensation model and Ministry of Social Development<br />
benefit model to ensure the right incentives are in place, so people can try work options<br />
without fear of loss of compensation or benefit that may prevent them attempting<br />
employment options.<br />
5. Provide specific SCI training for ACC case managers and Needs Assessment Service<br />
coordinators who work with people with SCI to ensure realistic back- to-work planning.<br />
6. Specify minimum skill-set requirements of vocational support services to ensure SCI<br />
expertise.<br />
There is always room to improve, and a collaborative model of service for SCI vocational<br />
rehabilitation is the way forward. This can be facilitated through the knowledge gained during<br />
my Winston Churchill Research Fellowship. Better quality and access to information is needed<br />
<strong>WCMT</strong> Research Fellowship 25