Damning NDIS report slammed

By Kate Taylor

Ballan District Health and Care CEO has blasted the Moorabool News over last week’s (9 Jan) story on the lack of NDIS service providers in Moorabool.

As it turns out, the information the story was based on, which was provided by Moorabool Shire Council, was inaccurate.

In covering the December council meeting, the Moorabool News detailed a tabled report, which was authorised by council General Manager Social & Organisation Development Danny Colgan, which outlined lack of available services provided with funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and specifically the lack of providers in the west of the shire.

BDHC CEO Wayne Weaire contacted the Moorabool News after reading the story to point out there is in fact quite a large, capable organisation providing NDIS services to a large part of the shire, including west Moorabool –BDHC itself.

“The reality is, we are licensed and have a full suite of allied health professionals to do NDIS,” Mr Weaire told the Moorabool News.

“We have more than enough capacity – and not just in West Moorabool, we can do it across the whole region.”

Ballan District Health & Care began providing NDIS-approved services in September last year to further support Moorabool residents with disabilities.

“We offer a comprehensive range of in-home and on-site services with a particular commitment to working with disabled community members, carers and families living in the Western half of Moorabool Shire.”

BDHC’s multidisciplinary allied health team – all registered NDIS providers – has extensive experience with both children and adults.

“The team offers a best practice, evidence-based, re-enabling approach that focuses on each person’s individual needs and goals.”

The council report did not mention that in addition to working with children and younger adults, BDHC is the largest provider of residential and home-based allied health services to over 55s and over 65s in West Moorabool.

“Access to close to home services can really make a difference to everyday life. BDHC can provide community members with effective supports for daily living, such as Alcohol & Other Drug Use Programs, Audiometry, Chronic Disease Management, Community Assistance, Community Health Nursing, Dental Clinic, Dietetics & Nutrition, District Nursing Service, Exercise Physiology, as well as Relaxation, Walking groups, a hydrotherapy pool, Occupational Therapy, optometry, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, Rehabilitation Gymnasium, Social Work, and Speech Pathology.”

The report also failed to mention BDHC Director of Allied & Community Health Shawn Lee meets regularly with Moorabool Shire Council and health partner organisations to further develop positive long-term outcomes for members of the community looking to improve their health, wellbeing and daily living skills.

“We are ready and have full capacity to deliver person-centered NDIS services to Moorabool residents”, he said.

“If you are managing a chronic condition, disability, require rehabilitation or simply want a bit of support to lead a healthier life, please contact Sallee Salmon, BDHC’s Access Officer on (03) 5366 7907”, Mr Weaire concluded