Bulletin Spring 2018

UPDATE ON
MSWA FACILITIES
SANDRA WALLACE, MSWA MANAGER STRATEGIC SUPPORTS
Here is a brief update on the progress of our expanding
facilities and development of new and existing sites at MSWA.
WILSON – the full refurbishment was completed at the end of
July. We had five months of construction and building and at
times it was very dusty and noisy. The result is a fresh, open
look and feel that is lovely to be in! There has been some
movement of staff to new office locations within Wilson, to
promote efficiency and enable larger teams to be centrally
located. We have gained a larger physio gym, new massage
rooms and 36 extra desk spaces.
Members returned to their outreach programs from 31 July.
It is good to see them back here once again. The whole site
has taken on a fresh new look and somehow everything looks
bigger, and it all matches! Please feel free to visit us and have
a look.
KELMSCOTT – The fit-out of new premises in Kelmscott
is well under way, we expect to be open for business by
mid-September. These premises will offer office space for
meetings and consultations, counselling, and physiotherapy.
Parking is easy as it is situated in a group of shops, at 2938
Albany Highway, Kelmscott. If this may be of benefit to you,
please speak with your therapist for details and the relevant
program times.
BUTLER – construction is making very steady progress and
already is at lock-up. This site will be completed at the end
of the year and opening early 2019. The large services hub
is really taking shape and the high support accommodation
units will benefit from separate communal spaces for
entertainment and dining.
ALBANY – great news, we have a site under offer, and are
awaiting the outcome. It is a long process, but we will provide
details when possible to do so. This will include both high
support units and a service hub.
BUSSELTON – ongoing negotiations; delays have gone
beyond our control but should be resolved soon.
SHENTON PARK – we are awaiting the Governments
allocation of the title before we can progress but we will be
building high support accommodation units on this site.
PRESSURE MAPPING
EMMA CLIFFORD, MSWA OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
The Occupational Therapy department will soon have a
pressure mapping system to supplement services provided
for seating and positioning for those using wheelchairs.
The highly sensitive mat allows the therapist to accurately identify
areas of the body that may be at risk of developing pressure
injuries when seated in a wheelchair or recliner. The mat is placed
on the seating surface and, when the individual sits, a real time
image of pressure distribution is displayed on a screen allowing
the therapist to identify areas of increased pressure.
This assessment allows the occupational therapist to do the
following;
• Identify the need to review the current seating surface
• Select or eliminate different seating surfaces during trials based
on individual need and the outcome of pressure mapping
• Justify the need for
different seating surfaces
and provide an accurate
measure for funding bodies
to consider when applying
for funding of equipment
• Discuss with the individual their own risk of pressure injury
and develop a plan together
• Record reliable data to develop an effective pressure
management plan if required
If this is something you would like to access, please
speak with your allocated Occupational Therapist or
contact the department on 9365 4888.
This valuable addition to our equipment has been made
possible through our MSWA fundraising efforts. Thank you!
24 | MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2018