MSWA Bulletin Magazine Autumn 17

A message from the General Manager –
Member Services
SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN
“It always seems impossible until it’s done,”
Nelson Mandela
I can see this quote being applicable to so many circumstances;
climbing a mountain, researchers looking for new treatments,
renovating a house, learning to ride a bike and I am sure for
those who dared to dream of, and create, a National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
As always, the days are flying past, New Year is a distant
memory, as we have well and truly got back in the saddle for
the gallop through 2017!
The NDIS is still the hottest topic in town - see Marcus’ article
and the update from Nigel and our MSWA NDIS Team - but
thankfully we now have greater clarity regarding the roll out
timetable. From my perspective, it is heart-warming to see
Members now accessing more timely funding for aids and
equipment, home modifications, and supports and services.
Of course, this is currently limited to the trial sites and the roll
out will continue until 2020, but the difference this makes
cannot be underestimated.
We have now opened our very spectacular Community and
Health Services Centre in Bunbury, see my article and photos
on pg 24, and are planning to start the north metropolitan
project - a services centre and high support accommodation.
This is a very exciting time for us and we are all very proud of
these achievements, as we should be, as MSWA has funded
the purchase of land and construction of several MSWA
facilities over the past five years. Treendale Gardens, Hamilton
Hill Stage 2 and now Bunbury. We will also be building in
Albany and Shenton Park in the not too distant future.
These projects, the growth in our supports and service
hours for Members and our significant annual MS research
contributions, are all thanks to the generosity of our donors,
the huge success of our fundraising ventures and events, and
the diligent oversight of our finances by our Board.
We have been steadily increasing our supports in some
regional areas. We now have massage services in Northam
and Geraldton and greater physiotherapy cover through the
South West. We have just started an Outreach Group in
Busselton meeting monthly, and a weekly physiotherapy and
massage program.
The annual Members Survey is currently being collated; thank
you to everyone who responded. I will provide a summary
of the results in the next Bulletin. Many must feel they are
experiencing survey overload and I apologise for this but your
feedback is important and we also survey various programs
to meet some requirements of our contracts.
This year sees two new MS treatments released in Australia;
both of which have been in the development pipeline and
mentioned by neurologists at our seminars. Zinbryta (also
known as daclizumab) and Ocrelizumab which has shown
promise for progressive MS. For more information, you can
contact our MS Nurses and/or speak with your neurologist.
The administration and finance staff have recently relocated
to the Bentley Office, freeing up much needed space for the
growing Member Services Team at Wilson.
Don’t forget the sneezy season will be upon us before we
know it so don’t forget to chat with your GP about the flu shot!
Our annual MS Awareness Forum will be held in the morning
of Friday, 2 June. It will feature an update by Prof Bill Carroll,
an NDIS update by Marion Hales McDonald from the Disability
Services Commission and presentations by two of our MSWA
funded local researchers. So save the date and we will keep
you updated. RSVP is essential for seating and catering, you
can email Donna.Hill@mswa.org.au to go on the list.
We do hope you enjoy this edition of the Bulletin and
would like to remind you that the Member Services
Team are here to support you. We are a phone call or
email away and happy to provide tailored and up to date
information about MS, the treatments and/or how to
manage your symptoms effectively. We have extensive
resources available and a host of information and
other forums you might like to attend. Please call us on
9365 4888 or email Get-In-Touch@mswa.org.au.
MSWA BULLETIN AUTUMN 2017 | 5