The NDIS is rolling out – but what exactly is it?

There has been much talk of the rollout of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – but what exactly is it?

The NDIS is an Australia-wide scheme to support people with permanent and significant disability to have greater choice and control over the supports that they need to lead better lives. It funds long-term care and support for people with disabilities.

Across NSW, it is expected that 140,000 people with disability will be able to access supports, including people who have previously not received access to government assistance for their disability.

The rollout has been progressive across NSW, starting with Hunter as one of the pilot sites in 2013.

In Western Sydney, we started enrolling clients in the NDIS from 1 July 2016, and largely completed the enrolment of all existing clients with a disability by 30 June 2017. More than 7300 people will be enrolled in Western Sydney.

As part of the rollout, clinicians and health workers have supported patients to enrol in the NDIS and ensure that plans are adequate to meet client needs.

WSLHD would like to thank clinicians for their support in assisting patients on their NDIS journey.  Anecdotally, we have heard some wonderful stories about clients who have been able to lead their lives with greater independence as a result of the NDIS.

Staff are continuing to work with the Sydney Region of the National Disability Insurance Agency (the NDIS overseeing body) to escalate individual client issues and identify where there are problems and blockers in the system.

As part of the NDIS rollout, a new NDIS pathway has been developed. It is  is now available on the Health Pathways website for clinicians and staff across the LHD, as well as GPs. The pathway identifies processes for escalating and supporting clients requiring NDIS packages and provides information on the various services available across Western Sydney including clinical resources and information for clients.

For more information about the NDIS, including guidelines go to the NDIS intranet page.

For specific enquiries relating to NDIS in the District, contact:
Christine Ryan
WSLHD Transition Coordinator
Integrated and Community Health Directorate
Mob: 0423 780 145
Christine.ryan@health.nsw.gov.au