MSWA Bulletin Summer 16

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From the desk of the CEO MARCUS STAFFORD “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” The words of Dan Millman, but I wish I’d thought of them. The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has seen a new and improved disability sector in Australia. It has placed the power where it belongs, in the hands of the consumer. It has changed how people living with a disability receive services and support and additionally, has fired MSWA’s ambitions to ensure continued support for people living with MS who are not eligible for NDIS funding. The Scheme has been in a trial phase in WA since 2014 and will see a full state roll out from July 2017. Throughout this trial phase, there have been two models in governance – State and Federal. I have long stated that a State managed and operated model under an overarching national framework was the best way forward for people living with disabilities in our State. This will result in strong governance, consistency and quality standards under Federal auspices with a relationship model implemented by WA leaders and managers who are close to the customer and understand our environment. I am pleased to report that earlier this month, after protracted and sometimes difficult negotiations, the Federal and State Governments came to an agreement on the NDIS and its governance model. Under the agreement, reached by Federal Minister for Social Services Christian Porter and WA’s Disability Services Minister Donna Faragher, the WA NDIS will operate as part of a collaborative partnership that plays to mutual strengths. This decision needed compromise and this decision needed courage. Both Ministers are to be congratulated. This decision is both the right and the smart one. The original brainchild of the Labor Government with subsequent implementation by the Coalition, this agreement transcends politics. As an organisation, we have been preparing for this transition for some time. In fact, the very first hint at this strategy came in a paper submitted to the Society’s Board in 2003. Even then, we recognised that change was necessary if we were to advance and succeed. Our new brand – MSWA – reflects the realities of this new world. It builds on our rich history and reputation while incorporating our service provision to people with other neurological conditions. This service provision is something we have been delivering for years, but takes on an even greater importance in the face of the NDIS. You have probably seen our new contemporary logo as well as our new website, publications and signage that reflect this change. However, beneath this new veneer, our organisation’s heart beats with the same passionate beat. Our dedication is unswerving and we are here to continue to provide services and support to our 2,200 Members living with multiple sclerosis across the State. This year alone, we committed a record-breaking $2.2 million to MS research and are developing new facilities across WA to better support our Members. Our new Bunbury Community and Health Services Centre recently opened its doors to Members. Once the NDIS rolls through the Bunbury area it will be there to assist people with other neurological conditions too. Both people with MS and other neurological conditions will be served for many decades. Meanwhile, in Perth’s northern suburbs, we are developing a new Member and Client Services facility in the community of Butler. We have submitted plans to the council and expect to hear a decision any time now! The proposed centre will be an MSWA Services Hub which will provide a base for our nursing and allied health team to see people onsite and conduct home visits locally. Plus, the adjoining development will also include a high support accommodation facility, equipped with fully self-contained units, for people living with MS and other neurological conditions, much like our existing facilities in Hamilton Hill and Treendale. The facility will provide onsite 24-hour, 7-day a week care for younger people to ensure they live in age appropriate accommodation. There are exciting times ahead and there is much to look forward to in 2017. As we welcome the next chapter in Western Australia’s growth, we bid farewell to our management of the MS Society of South Australia and the Northern Territory. Having managed the Multiple Sclerosis Society of SA & NT for two and a half years after they had found themselves in serious difficulty, we have handed back the reins to SA management where it rightfully belongs. Through what has been a true team effort, we have recorded a positive performance across all areas of their business and the Society now sees itself set on solid ground with a positive future ahead. Some of those strong foundations include a 30% growth in healthcare services, a funding contribution to research, the posting of the highest gross revenue and net profit in the Society’s history and the return to a positive balance sheet. It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to have played a part in leading a dedicated workforce of over 100 staff to lay the foundations of success. Now, it is with sincerity and unswerving confidence that I wish them well and look forward to watching the continued development of the Society as it supports people living with MS in SA & NT. It has truly been a year of record-breaking milestones at MSWA and I look forward to sharing updates with you in the next edition of Bulletin. Until then, I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a safe New Year! 6 | MSWA BULLETIN SUMMER 2016
A message from the General Manager – Member Services SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” Ovid As the year comes to a close we once again say: where did the time go! It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the months zoom past and it’s time to get out the Christmas decorations; which I love, I must admit! I also enjoy the opportunity to catch up with the family and have some time off to rest up before 2017 hits us. Having worked for many years nursing in the hospital I still appreciate the opportunity to actually take Christmas off! I am also aware that for many, the festive season can be a time of sadness or loneliness, for a variety of reasons, so our thoughts are with those less fortunate than ourselves. The end of each year brings an opportunity to reflect on what we have each achieved, what the highlights, challenges and the changes in our lives are. Here at MSWA we have had another huge year. It has been varied and exciting and I am very proud of what we have achieved both as an organisation and of my Member Services team, which continues to grow! I am so proud to work with such great people who are committed and dedicated to their work. Working with MSSANT to help get them back on track has been a very rewarding experience and we wish them well as they take charge of their organisation again. The staff were great to work with and I will miss catching up with them each month. I couldn’t help but notice the wide contrast between the services and supports we offer here in WA and what they have available for people living with MS elsewhere. The NDIS will make a huge difference when it eventually rolls out in those locations. Our Bunbury Community and Health Services Centre will be finished by the time you receive this Bulletin. This is an amazing building which we can be proud of, and that will provide greater opportunities for expansion of services in the region. The South West team continues to expand to meet the demands of the WA NDIS trial site and grow our MS supports locally. We have seen many changes this year. Marilyn Sylvester, our Physiotherapy Manager, retired after many years with us and we have now welcomed Dave Hathorn into that role. He has some exciting ideas for his team and our services going forward which is great for MSWA and our Members. Nigel Carey and Mark Douglas have revved up our NDIS Unit as the trial sites evolve and their team is dedicated to increasing awareness of the NDIS and supporting Members to access the Scheme as it comes to your area. Of course, we are still awaiting the final decision on the exact model and roll out timelines but we will keep you posted. We have expanded our Peer Support Groups and will continue to do so, and we have also added in some new services like massage in Denmark, Margaret River and Northam. Our Individual Options staff, providing supports and services in people’s homes, continue to do an amazing job, as do the staff at the high support accommodation and respite programs. We are experiencing ongoing change, particularly with the NDIS. The most significant change this year was of course our re-branding and new logo! Our new name, MSWA, and our modern and refreshing logo heralds an exciting new era whilst still paying homage to our roots. We also upgraded the website so take a look if you haven’t already! What hasn’t changed is our passion for providing quality services and supporting people living with MS from the time of their diagnosis. As we expand our business opportunities under the NDIS, providing services for people living with MS and other neurological conditions, we will of course continue to support our Members throughout their journey. 2017 will be another exciting year for MSWA and our Members. The north metro services hub and high support accommodation project will begin and we are awaiting the release of more MS treatments including one we believe, with some benefit for progressive MS. I wish you and yours a safe and happy festive season and I hope 2017 will be a great year for you. Personally, I am also looking forward to the birth of our second grandchild and hoping the crazy new puppy we have starts to settle down! MSWA BULLETIN SUMMER 2016 | 7
Page 1 and 2: BULLETIN THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF M
Page 3 and 4: Inside | Summer 2016 Letter from th
Page 5: Then of course we have your regular
Page 9 and 10: For more information, Mr Wright con
Page 11 and 12: People who had used disease modifyi
Page 13 and 14: AN UPDATE ON THE MSWA FUNDED WA RES
Page 15 and 16: Discussing personal emotions can be
Page 17 and 18: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ROBYN LOXLEY,
Page 19 and 20: ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO CARES? KAREN BR
Page 21 and 22: Anita Gamba has had a very interest
Page 23 and 24: HEALTH AWARENESS SUE SHAPLAND RN, B
Page 25 and 26: THAT’S LIFE WITH NARELLE NARELLE
Page 27 and 28: FUNDRAISING ROUNDUP BIG RETURNS FOR
Page 29 and 30: The Members, Staff and Volunteers C
Page 31 and 32: EMBRACE THE SHAKE ZURAINI HUSSAIN,
Page 33 and 34: NEWS FROM TREENDALE GARDENS PAULA K
Page 35 and 36: ROCKINGHAM TUESDAY OUTREACH GROUP &

MSWA Bulletin Summer 16

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