MSWA Bulletin Magazine Summer 2021
COVID-19 Vaccination Advice from Professor Carroll AM | The Role of the Local Area Coordinator | Continence Physiotherapy | Counselling: Men, Let's Talk
COVID-19 Vaccination Advice from Professor Carroll AM | The Role of the Local Area Coordinator | Continence Physiotherapy | Counselling: Men, Let's Talk
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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
<strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />
mswa.org.au<br />
INSIDE<br />
/ COVID-19 Vaccination Advice<br />
from Professor Carroll AM<br />
/ The Role of the Local Area Coordinator<br />
/ Continence Physiotherapy<br />
Catch up with the attendees of<br />
our men’s Outreach group, p. 29.<br />
/ Counselling: Men, Let’s Talk
WILSON CENTRE<br />
29 Parkhill Way 9365 4888<br />
Fax 9451 4453<br />
Freecall 1800 287 367<br />
See Health Team Dept contacts on this page<br />
SERVICES DIRECTORY<br />
GENERAL MANAGER –<br />
MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES<br />
Nicola Washington 9365 4840<br />
MANAGER ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES<br />
Carol Chong 9365 4873<br />
NDIS TEAM 9365 4824<br />
OUTREACH GROUPS<br />
Wilson Outreach 9365 4830<br />
Beechboro Lodge 9377 7800<br />
Southside Outreach 9592 9202<br />
Albany Outreach 6154 5149<br />
Bunbury 6454 2800<br />
GENERAL MANAGER - STRATEGIC<br />
SUPPORTS AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS<br />
Sue Shapland 6454 3174<br />
MARGARET DOODY RESPITE HOUSE<br />
Manager, Alimul Tasin 9385 9574<br />
FERN RIVER ACCOMMODATION<br />
Manager, Danuta Figurska 9356 2747<br />
HAMILTON HILL ACCOMMODATION<br />
Manager, Jo Nouwland 9331 5780<br />
TREENDALE GARDENS<br />
RESPITE & ACCOMMODATION<br />
Manager, Linda Kidd 9725 9209<br />
BUTLER SUPPORTED<br />
ACCOMMODATION FACILITY<br />
Manager, Chris Rush 6154 5120<br />
CONTACT US<br />
If you would like to comment on anything<br />
you read in this <strong>Bulletin</strong> please email<br />
bulletin@mswa.org.au or write to<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong>, Locked Bag 2, Bentley DC WA 6983<br />
General feedback or complaints please<br />
contact Michelle John 6454 3173 or<br />
feedback@mswa.org.au<br />
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE<br />
Greg Brotherson (Editor), Ros Harman<br />
(Guest Editor), Marcus Stafford (CEO),<br />
Paul Cavanagh, Sue Shapland,<br />
Nicola Washington, Libby Cassidy,<br />
Jamey Claffey, Carol Chong and<br />
Geoff Hutchinson.<br />
The Editor welcomes unsolicited submissions.<br />
All articles are subject to a reviewing process.<br />
The views expressed are those of the authors<br />
and do not necessarily reflect the view of<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong>’s staff, advisors, directors or officers.<br />
CONTENTS<br />
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR. ............ 3<br />
FROM THE DESK OF THE CEO. .........4<br />
GENERAL MANAGER STRATEGIC<br />
SUPPORTS AND RESIDENTIAL<br />
OPTIONS .............................. 5<br />
GENERAL MANAGER<br />
MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES .......... 6<br />
RESEARCH IN FOCUS .................. 7<br />
RESEARCH ROUND UP. ..............8-11<br />
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND<br />
OTHERS IN THE FLU SEASON. ......... 12<br />
COVID-19 VACCINATION<br />
GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE<br />
WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS . ......... 13<br />
NURSING<br />
Our neurological liaison nurses are usually the first point of contact after the<br />
neurologist’s diagnosis.<br />
VANISHREE CHETTI, MANAGER: 9365 4818 OR COMMUNITY NURSE: 9365 4888<br />
PHYSIOTHERAPY<br />
Our team provides treatment interventions to develop and maintain mobility and function.<br />
JAMES BECKETT, MANAGER: 9365 4837 OR PHYSIO DEPARTMENT: 9365 4834<br />
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY<br />
Occupational Therapists enable Clients to continue their work and other interests for<br />
as long as possible through advice, aids and equipment.<br />
CRYSTAL CHAN, MANAGER: 9365 4804 OR OT DEPARTMENT: 9365 4888<br />
SPEECH PATHOLOGY<br />
Our Speech Pathologists assess, diagnose and create individualised treatment<br />
programs for Clients who experience swallowing and/or communication difficulties.<br />
PAMELA WINDRAM, MANAGER: 6454 3140<br />
DIETETICS<br />
Dietitians are university-qualified nutrition experts who promote general health and<br />
disease prevention/management through dietary changes.<br />
PAMELA WINDRAM, MANAGER: 6454 3140<br />
COUNSELLING, PEER SUPPORT & HEALTH EDUCATION<br />
Talking with a Counsellor creates a safe, respectful and confidential environment for<br />
you and those close to you to explore options, create change or gain understanding<br />
about your life.<br />
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL: LISA PAPAS, MANAGER: 9365 4836<br />
OR COUNSELLING DEPARTMENT: 9365 4811<br />
SOCIAL WELFARE<br />
Social Welfare Officers assist Clients and their families to access services<br />
and supports to remain living independently at home. They specialise in case<br />
management, advocacy and sourcing funding options.<br />
KATH KNIGHTS, MANAGER: 9365 4835<br />
COMMUNITY SUPPORT<br />
We provide long-term and time limited in-home supports including assistance with<br />
personal care for people with MS, to help them remain in their homes. Care and<br />
supports are provided through a combination of funding from the Department of<br />
Communities - Disability Services, and our own fundraising efforts.<br />
VICTORIA AMEY, MANAGER: 9365 4851<br />
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT<br />
Our experienced teams will provide you with personalised support right throughout<br />
your NDIS journey. From helping you to access the NDIS to working with you to get the<br />
most from your plan, our trained staff are here to help.<br />
GEOFF HUTCHINSON, MANAGER CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT: 9365 4879<br />
CAMPS & RECREATION<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> provides separate recreation camps for Clients, carers, and families, primarily<br />
funded by Lotterywest, and for a nominal cost to participants. These camps provide a<br />
break from daily routines, and strengthen friendships and support networks.<br />
DAWN BURKE, COORDINATOR FOR CAMPS & RECREATION: 9365 4843<br />
AGED CARE<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> delivers all levels of Home Care Packages to eligible people with a neurological<br />
condition who are over 65. Services are delivered by staff specifically trained in home<br />
care for older Australians who are living with a neurological condition.<br />
WENDY BROWN, AGED CARE COORDINATOR: 9365 4807<br />
THE ROLE OF THE<br />
LOCAL AREA COORDINATOR (LAC). ... 14<br />
NEW STAFF AT <strong>MSWA</strong> . ............... 15<br />
CONTINUING TO SUPPORT<br />
DENISE’S JOURNEY IN ALBANY. .... 16-17<br />
THE <strong>MSWA</strong> QUALITY &<br />
COMPLIANCE TEAM HAS GROWN. .... 17<br />
MEN, LET’S TALK. ..................... 18<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> NURSING IN<br />
A HOSPITAL SETTING ................. 19<br />
WE HELPED EACH OTHER . ........ 20-21<br />
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES<br />
STATE CONFERENCE . ................ 22<br />
CONTINENCE PHYSIOTHERAPY ....... 23<br />
SUMMER RULES ......................24<br />
COMMUNITY TEAM LEADERS. ......... 25<br />
NEWLY DIAGNOSED<br />
INFORMATION EVENING. .............26<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> FAMILY FUN DAY. .............27<br />
VOLUNTEER AND CAMPS NEWS . .....28<br />
MEN’S OUTREACH IN ROCKINGHAM. ..29<br />
TREENDALE GARDENS &<br />
FERN RIVER AT CHRISTMAS ..........30<br />
WHAT’S ON . ...................... 32-33<br />
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE . .......... 33<br />
OUTREACH NEWS . ...................34<br />
SUGGESTIONS, COMPLAINTS<br />
AND COMPLIMENTS . ................. 35<br />
2
WELCOME<br />
Welcome to the first <strong>Bulletin</strong> for <strong>2021</strong>. I wish everyone a happy new year, and we certainly<br />
hope <strong>2021</strong> is a good year for all.<br />
COVID-19 dominated the news in<br />
2020 and I am hopeful that it will<br />
not be in the news as much this<br />
year. In this <strong>Bulletin</strong> you will read<br />
an update on the latest news about<br />
the vaccine and advice for people<br />
with neurological conditions.<br />
The cover for this edition features<br />
attendees of the Rockingham Men’s<br />
Outreach group, who have enjoyed<br />
some fun times together recently.<br />
There is also information about the<br />
various services <strong>MSWA</strong> has to offer,<br />
with stories about actual events<br />
and people who are involved in the<br />
services. There are updates on areas<br />
such as Occupational Therapy,<br />
Physiotherapy, Counselling and<br />
Nursing, as well as lots of information<br />
about the NDIS and in particular<br />
the role of Local Area Coordinators<br />
who can help with negotiating an<br />
NDIS plan.<br />
There were two Newly Diagnosed<br />
Seminars held recently, which<br />
you can read about in this edition.<br />
These seminars are an important<br />
introduction for new Clients to the<br />
various services <strong>MSWA</strong> has to offer.<br />
I’m sure we will all enjoy reading<br />
the heart-warming story of<br />
volunteer Marie Harris from<br />
Bunbury who celebrated her 96th<br />
birthday recently. We will also read<br />
comments from Denise Amato who<br />
is looking forward to the opening of<br />
a high support facility in Albany.<br />
Our General Managers, Sue<br />
Shapland and Nicki Washington,<br />
have brought us much valuable<br />
information, including the<br />
latest Research Roundup, and<br />
introductions to some new staff<br />
members. There is also a timely<br />
reminder to Clients to get their<br />
annual flu vaccination.<br />
Now sit back, relax with a<br />
cup of tea, and read the<br />
<strong>Bulletin</strong> from cover to<br />
cover to be fully informed<br />
about <strong>MSWA</strong>.<br />
ROS HARMAN<br />
GUEST EDITOR<br />
3
FROM THE DESK<br />
OF THE CEO<br />
MARCUS STAFFORD<br />
CEO<br />
I’ve always enjoyed the notion<br />
that the turning of the calendar<br />
page presents fresh and positive<br />
opportunities for the year ahead,<br />
although I was unsure about the<br />
levels of bullish optimism that had<br />
been expressed by some for <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
Nonetheless, even with my more<br />
measured stance, I didn’t expect<br />
that February would include both<br />
a further lockdown in WA and a<br />
disastrous bushfire.<br />
It has been troubling to hear the sad<br />
accounts of people who have lost<br />
their homes in the fires. <strong>MSWA</strong> was<br />
actively in touch with our Clients<br />
and staff located in the affected<br />
areas to offer a range of supports.<br />
Our more vulnerable Clients were<br />
also offered the option to stay at<br />
one of our Respite facilities.<br />
As for the COVID-19 lockdown, I<br />
am reminded how quickly our<br />
world can change. In an attempt<br />
to lose some of my ‘Christmas<br />
kilos’, I had headed out for a kayak<br />
on that Sunday morning. By the<br />
time I returned, I was faced with<br />
the news that lockdown would be<br />
implemented imminently. A hastily<br />
convened teleconference with our<br />
senior managers on the Sunday<br />
evening and the organisation’s<br />
lockdown plan was implemented.<br />
The plan included all facets of<br />
both staff and Client impact, with<br />
the principle of ‘duty of care’ for<br />
all guiding our every step. Steps,<br />
needless to say, none of us wanted<br />
to take, but with the understanding<br />
that they were being taken for<br />
the greater good. I would like to<br />
thank and acknowledge everyone<br />
for doing your part in keeping our<br />
community safe. We have been<br />
in this position before, so it is not<br />
new, and if we can continue to<br />
follow Government Health advice,<br />
I am confident we can continue to<br />
‘one-up’ COVID-19.<br />
Away from the crises and back<br />
to general business, we have<br />
continued to strengthen our<br />
position as the leading organisation<br />
in the neurological supports/<br />
service industry. In fact, we are<br />
now the third biggest not-for-profit<br />
organisation in Western Australia.<br />
It is pleasing to know that our<br />
mission now includes helping such<br />
a broad range of folk as they travel<br />
with their individual journeys. As so<br />
many reading this article know as<br />
they face their everyday challenges,<br />
it can be unspeakably difficult<br />
managing multiple sclerosis,<br />
Parkinson’s, stroke, motor neurone<br />
disease and acquired brain injuries,<br />
to name a few. We hope that our<br />
presence might in some way offer<br />
you some reassurance.<br />
Testing times allow both<br />
organisations and individuals to<br />
demonstrate metal and resilience.<br />
From <strong>MSWA</strong>’s perspective, it is<br />
that resilience, when paired with<br />
the passion of our charter, that has<br />
allowed us to do the things that<br />
we do. Our business is strong. Our<br />
financials are steady. That allows us<br />
to turn our plans into reality.<br />
We have started development of<br />
our new Services Centre and High<br />
Support Accommodation Facility in<br />
Albany. In February we celebrated<br />
with the Albany community, where<br />
we formally turned the sod on the<br />
site of the development. While<br />
we are only in the early stages of<br />
the build, I believe that this new<br />
Facility will be a game-changer<br />
for our regional community in the<br />
Great Southern.<br />
Hot off the press, we have recently<br />
finalised our agreement with<br />
the State Government for the<br />
development of our Shenton Park<br />
Facility which will provide a new<br />
home for 20 adults living with a<br />
neurological condition, with<br />
24-hour care provided onsite.<br />
Champions shine through in<br />
turbulent times. I am forever<br />
impressed and proud of those<br />
champions who I meet at <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
every day.<br />
Thank you.<br />
Until the next edition.<br />
4
STRATEGIC SUPPORTS<br />
AND RESIDENTIAL<br />
OPTIONS<br />
SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, MSCN<br />
GENERAL MANAGER<br />
STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND<br />
RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS<br />
“Never regret a day in your<br />
life. Good days give you<br />
happiness & bad days give<br />
you experience.”<br />
Unknown.<br />
I think this quote would apply to<br />
us all at some stage. The ongoing<br />
challenges of COVID-19 have seen<br />
a resurgence in reconnecting<br />
with friends and family (when not<br />
restricted by lockdowns) and taking<br />
up pastimes that bring us happiness<br />
and some reassurance that is<br />
needed in times of uncertainty.<br />
Something many people with a<br />
neurological condition can relate to;<br />
taking some control where you can<br />
when other things may be out of<br />
your control.<br />
Australia is eagerly awaiting the<br />
imminent rollout of the COVID-19<br />
vaccines. Whilst we are one of<br />
the last countries starting our<br />
programs, this gives us insight into<br />
how it is working overseas where<br />
over 25 million people have received<br />
at least one of the vaccines. It also<br />
provides larger data sets to review<br />
regarding the safety and efficacy<br />
of the vaccines, which is always a<br />
good thing. We will provide our<br />
Clients and staff with government<br />
information updates as we receive<br />
them but also talk with your GP<br />
and/or neurologist who are also<br />
being kept up to date directly.<br />
Apart from our recent snap<br />
lockdown, WA has been able to keep<br />
the impact of COVID-19 manageable<br />
through border closures and<br />
quarantining of overseas travellers.<br />
This has also allowed <strong>MSWA</strong> to<br />
recommence our events and start<br />
the construction of the Albany<br />
Supported Accommodation and<br />
Services Hub, which is really exciting<br />
and moving ahead nicely.<br />
Our high support accommodation<br />
facilities, currently 42 places, are<br />
all full; I am taking expressions of<br />
interest for the Albany site which<br />
will have 10 units. Our residential<br />
respite facilities at City Beach and<br />
Australind do have some capacity<br />
and we are taking bookings.<br />
In December, we held a forum<br />
bringing together a number<br />
of <strong>MSWA</strong> funded, WA based,<br />
researchers for brief updates on<br />
their exciting work. <strong>MSWA</strong> is very<br />
proud of our ability to continue to<br />
grow our research funding annually<br />
and of the amazing talent and<br />
commitment by the WA teams.<br />
Their progress will be highlighted<br />
in <strong>Bulletin</strong> and hopefully through<br />
a seminar for our Clients later in<br />
the year.<br />
For the latest information<br />
you can always have a look<br />
at our website:<br />
mswa.org.au/<br />
commitment-to-research.<br />
Our contribution through MS<br />
Research Australia continues to<br />
grow and we will start receiving<br />
progress reports from the successful<br />
teams funded by <strong>MSWA</strong>.<br />
I am welcoming two new staff into<br />
our Quality and Compliance Team<br />
and there is a brief introduction on<br />
page 17.<br />
It’s a bit late to say ‘Happy New Year’<br />
as <strong>2021</strong> is well underway already,<br />
however I hope it is a better year<br />
for us all and heralds great things<br />
to come.<br />
The flu season will soon be upon<br />
us and as always, the Health<br />
Department recommends annual<br />
vaccinations for those at most<br />
risk; this will be in addition to the<br />
COVID-19 vaccination. As always,<br />
if you are unsure speak to your GP<br />
and/or neurologist.<br />
As we are in the hotter months<br />
remember to stay cool and stay<br />
safe; remember our Member and<br />
Client Services team are here for<br />
advice and support.<br />
5
MEMBER &<br />
CLIENT SERVICES<br />
NICOLA WASHINGTON<br />
GENERAL MANAGER<br />
MEMBER & CLIENT SERVICES<br />
Welcome to the summer<br />
edition of our Member &<br />
Client Services <strong>Bulletin</strong>.<br />
As we continue to watch how<br />
the pandemic is still impacting<br />
countries around the world,<br />
Australia remains one of the safest<br />
places to be, with comparatively<br />
few restrictions.<br />
The success of short-term<br />
lockdowns in keeping the numbers<br />
down and controlling community<br />
spread of COVID-19 has enabled<br />
us to plan for some more group<br />
seminars during <strong>2021</strong> so look out<br />
for the information on what will be<br />
planned throughout the year on<br />
the Programs, Workshops & Events<br />
page on our website.<br />
The latest news on NDIS<br />
involves discussions around the<br />
implementation of the independent<br />
assessments. This was first raised<br />
in 2019 and discussed further by<br />
Minister Roberts in an information<br />
paper released late November 2020.<br />
The key points are:<br />
/ Independent assessments are free.<br />
/ An independent assessment will<br />
take around three hours.<br />
/ You can choose to have it at<br />
a place that suits you, or by<br />
video call.<br />
/ The results of your assessment<br />
will help us work out your NDIS<br />
supports and budget.<br />
/ By mid-<strong>2021</strong>, independent<br />
assessments will be part of<br />
the access process for new<br />
participants.<br />
/ By the end of <strong>2021</strong>, independent<br />
assessments will be used as part<br />
of the normal plan review process<br />
If you have any questions<br />
regarding your NDIS plan, please<br />
do not hesitate to contact<br />
ndisenquiries@mswa.org.au – our<br />
team are always ready to help you<br />
navigate any problem or question<br />
you may have.<br />
The following link to the NDIS website provides<br />
more detail on the independent assessments<br />
process for you to review:<br />
ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments/<br />
independent-assessment-process<br />
We are continuing to focus on<br />
how we can improve our service<br />
delivery. This involves reviewing our<br />
processes and supporting systems.<br />
I am very pleased to advise<br />
that we recruited Liz Stewart,<br />
Manager Service Improvement, and<br />
Ierfaan Peck, Manager, Business<br />
Transformation into the team. Both<br />
Liz and Ierfaan will have a dedicated<br />
focus on improving our systems<br />
and processes to ensure we are<br />
working the best we can to provide<br />
service delivery.<br />
I would also like to welcome Victoria<br />
Amey, Manager of Community<br />
Support. Victoria is managing the<br />
services provided in the home<br />
and will also be looking at how we<br />
get this right for you, our Clients.<br />
Victoria provides an update on<br />
page 25 of some of the initiatives<br />
currently being worked on.<br />
Last month you would have received<br />
an invitation to our annual Client<br />
satisfaction survey to understand<br />
how we performed in 2020.<br />
The feedback gathered for this<br />
survey will enable us to continue to<br />
make improvements.<br />
The results from the survey are<br />
currently being analysed and the<br />
findings will be reported in the<br />
next few weeks; we look forward<br />
to seeing the results and your<br />
feedback. Thank you to everyone<br />
who took the time to complete<br />
the survey.<br />
I wish you all the best start to <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
6
RESEARCH<br />
RESEARCH IN FOCUS<br />
Here, we provide an insight into the research projects we are funding in Western Australia.<br />
SYSTEMATIC PROFILING IN<br />
NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (SPIN)<br />
RESEARCHERS SEEKING<br />
INTERESTED CLIENTS<br />
One of our research partners,<br />
Edith Cowan University is looking<br />
for people aged between 18 and<br />
85 years living with neurological<br />
conditions, who are keen to<br />
contribute to a novel approach to<br />
tailoring interventions to individual<br />
needs in a project funded by <strong>MSWA</strong>.<br />
This study will provide valuable<br />
information needed to develop<br />
interventions to help improve the<br />
quality of life and future for people<br />
living with neurological conditions.<br />
What would I need to do to be part<br />
of the study?<br />
/ Attend an annual assessment<br />
at ECU, which will look at your<br />
memory and thinking, as well as<br />
your physical capacity.<br />
/ Donate a blood sample and<br />
undergo a body composition scan.<br />
/ Answer questionnaires in the<br />
comfort of your own home.<br />
Some of the research you could be<br />
part of:<br />
/ Trialling the effects of light<br />
therapy on fatigue and excessive<br />
daytime sleepiness in people<br />
living with neurological<br />
conditions, via specially made<br />
glasses, worn for sixty minutes<br />
in the morning, which deliver<br />
targeted light therapy through<br />
the eyes.<br />
/ Trialling a motion capture and<br />
digital gaming system called<br />
Mindpod to deliver therapeutic<br />
treatments for people with upper<br />
limb impairments – a common<br />
symptom for people living with a<br />
neurological condition.<br />
For further information please contact:<br />
Manja Laws, Project Coordinator<br />
6304 2423 or m.laws@ecu.edu.au<br />
7
RESEARCH<br />
RESEARCH<br />
ROUND UP<br />
SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, MSCN<br />
GENERAL MANAGER STRATEGIC SUPPORTS<br />
AND RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS<br />
FROM MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS NEWS TODAY<br />
Read more at:<br />
multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com<br />
MS risk may be higher for children<br />
of diabetic mothers, study suggests<br />
Children of diabetic mothers may be<br />
at more risk of developing multiple<br />
sclerosis (MS). Previous studies<br />
suggested a three to 10 times<br />
increased risk of MS in children born<br />
to women with diabetes mellitus<br />
— a disease where blood sugar<br />
levels are too high. However, these<br />
findings still need to be confirmed.<br />
Researchers in Denmark explored<br />
the possible mechanism underlying<br />
the association between maternal<br />
diabetes — diagnosed before<br />
conception (pregestational) or<br />
during pregnancy (gestational) —<br />
and the risk of MS in their children.<br />
16,979 children born to diabetic<br />
mothers were included and<br />
analysis adjusted for age and sex,<br />
as well as maternal and paternal<br />
age and maternal obesity. The MS<br />
risk among children with diabetic<br />
mothers was 63% higher than those<br />
with nondiabetic mothers.<br />
Children whose mothers had<br />
pregestational diabetes were at a 2.3<br />
times higher risk of MS, whereas MS<br />
risk was not statistically significant<br />
among children of mothers with<br />
gestational diabetes or diabetic<br />
fathers.<br />
“Based on high-quality national<br />
register data in Denmark, our large<br />
cohort study corroborates the<br />
view that maternal [diabetes] is<br />
associated with an increased risk of<br />
MS in the offspring,” the researchers<br />
concluded.<br />
Myelin‐specific T cells in animals with<br />
Japanese macaque encephalomyelitis<br />
A study published in the journal<br />
Annals of Clinical and Translational<br />
Neurology reports a new primate<br />
model uncovered by researchers<br />
can help scientists understand<br />
the immune and inflammatory<br />
processes underlying the<br />
development of multiple sclerosis<br />
(MS) in humans.<br />
Japanese macaques (snow monkeys)<br />
can develop encephalomyelitis<br />
(JME), which results in the progressive<br />
demyelination (destruction of<br />
myelin), like MS in humans.<br />
Examining the animals’ lesions,<br />
investigators discovered two types of<br />
immune T-cells that were primed to<br />
attack myelin sheath components.<br />
These T-cells also have been<br />
identified as drivers of inflammation<br />
in MS. These novel findings draw<br />
further parallels between JME and<br />
MS and demonstrate that JME can<br />
serve as an outstanding [primate]<br />
model to investigate mechanisms<br />
that lead to an IDD (inflammatory<br />
demyelinating disease).<br />
Future studies should focus on<br />
investigating the “triggers that<br />
precipitate JME development and<br />
progression, as understanding<br />
how disease initiates could lead<br />
to discovery of mechanisms<br />
driving MS.”<br />
Newly discovered subset of<br />
brain cells fight inflammation<br />
with instructions from the gut,<br />
Francisco Quintana, PhD, Associate<br />
Professor of Neurology, Center for<br />
Neurologic Diseases at Brigham<br />
and Women’s Hospital in Boston.<br />
Scientists reported a newly<br />
identified subset of astrocytes (brain<br />
cells) thought to simply provide<br />
nutrition and support to neurons,<br />
can prevent brain inflammation<br />
by promoting the destruction of<br />
pro-inflammatory immune T-cells.<br />
8
HERE WE PROVIDE SOME SUMMARIES OF RESEARCH SOURCED FROM WEBSITES IN AUSTRALIA<br />
AND AROUND THE WORLD; WE HOPE IT’S OF INTEREST TO YOU.<br />
WE HAVE INCLUDED BOTH MS SPECIFIC AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH UPDATES.<br />
READ MORE AT <strong>MSWA</strong>.ORG.AU/RESEARCHUPDATE<br />
They also found that the<br />
anti-inflammatory activity of<br />
this astrocyte subpopulation is<br />
dependent on interferon-gamma<br />
— a molecule known to control<br />
immune and inflammatory<br />
responses — produced by natural<br />
killer (NK) cells, another subset of<br />
immune cells. The production of<br />
interferon-gamma by NK cells was<br />
seen to be controlled by the gut<br />
microbiome, the set of bacteria<br />
and other microbes that live in the<br />
gastrointestinal tract.<br />
According to the investigators,<br />
these discoveries may help guide<br />
the development of therapies<br />
for inflammatory neurological<br />
disorders such as (MS), as well as to<br />
treat some types of brain tumours<br />
known to exploit natural antiinflammatory<br />
signalling cascades<br />
to avoid being targeted by the<br />
immune system.<br />
“Finding microbiome-controlled<br />
anti-inflammatory subsets of<br />
astrocytes is an important advance<br />
in understanding of the CNS [brain<br />
and spinal cord] inflammation<br />
and its regulation,” the senior<br />
author stated. “This is a very novel<br />
mechanism by which the gut<br />
controls inflammation in the brain,”<br />
he added.<br />
FROM THE MS SOCIETY UK<br />
Read more at: mssociety.org.uk<br />
New research identifies which<br />
type of nerve cells are lost in MS<br />
Research conducted at the MS<br />
Society Edinburgh Centre for MS<br />
Research has shown that a type<br />
of nerve cell called inhibitory<br />
interneurons are lost in people with<br />
MS. This opens up new avenues for<br />
the development of treatments to<br />
protect nerves.<br />
Using brain tissue samples from the<br />
MS Society Tissue Bank, Professor<br />
Anna Williams and her team found a<br />
dramatic reduction in the number of<br />
inhibitory interneurons in tissue from<br />
people who had been living with MS<br />
compared to those without MS.<br />
Another type of neuron –<br />
stimulating neurons – remained<br />
the same, even in people who had<br />
MS for decades. So it is clear not all<br />
nerves are damaged in the same<br />
way by MS. This is the first project<br />
to show the selective loss of specific<br />
nerve cells in people with MS.<br />
Current MS treatments target the<br />
immune system and reduce the<br />
damage to myelin. But to truly stop<br />
MS and stop disability progression,<br />
researchers need to find treatments<br />
that can replace lost myelin and<br />
protect nerves from damage.<br />
This project helps us to understand<br />
more about which nerves are<br />
damaged in MS and why; giving a<br />
greater understanding of how we<br />
might protect nerves from damage.<br />
Professor Anna Williams, explained:<br />
“Our research has shown that a<br />
specific type of neuron, called an<br />
inhibitory interneuron, is damaged<br />
in people with MS. This is really<br />
important because, in the search<br />
for new treatments, it focuses<br />
our efforts on trying to stop the<br />
damage and death of these special<br />
cells. Our next step is to convert this<br />
knowledge into new treatments<br />
that protect nerves and prevent<br />
neurodegeneration – and ultimately<br />
disability – in people living with MS.”<br />
The research team generated a new<br />
mouse model of myelin damage,<br />
which showed the same selective<br />
loss of inhibitory neurons seen<br />
in humans.<br />
Dr Lida Zoupi, who worked on this<br />
study, said: “In our mouse model,<br />
we show that demyelination<br />
directly leads to neurodegeneration,<br />
answering a long-standing debate<br />
between MS researchers in the<br />
process. By confirming this, we have a<br />
vital new insight into the mechanisms<br />
behind neurodegeneration, which<br />
could potentially be used as a<br />
model for the development of<br />
neuroprotective treatments.”<br />
9
RESEARCH<br />
New insights into pregnancy and<br />
early signs of MS<br />
Women with MS often report fewer<br />
symptoms during pregnancy.<br />
But studies exploring whether<br />
becoming pregnant or having<br />
children affects whether or when<br />
someone develops MS have so far<br />
been inconclusive. Now, the biggest<br />
study yet suggests pregnancy may<br />
be linked to a delay in experiencing<br />
one of the early signs of MS.<br />
The new study, from Australia<br />
and the Czech Republic, suggests<br />
pregnancy is associated with a<br />
3-year delay to the onset of clinically<br />
isolated syndrome (CIS).<br />
CIS is a first episode of neurological<br />
conditions that lasts at least 24<br />
hours. It is often the first stage in a<br />
diagnosis of MS, but some people<br />
never go on to experience further<br />
symptoms or develop MS.<br />
Researchers analysed data from<br />
2557 women through MS Base - a<br />
large database with information<br />
from people with MS, and MS<br />
clinics. All the women in this study<br />
had MS and had previously been<br />
diagnosed with CIS. The researchers<br />
then looked back at when they<br />
developed CIS and whether they<br />
had ever been pregnant.<br />
They found women who had been<br />
pregnant were diagnosed with CIS,<br />
on average, just over three years<br />
later than women who had never<br />
been pregnant. The researchers did<br />
not find a link between the number<br />
of times women had been pregnant<br />
and the time of CIS onset.<br />
We don’t fully understand<br />
why pregnancy seems to play<br />
a protective role in MS, but<br />
researchers think it could be to do<br />
with the hormones oestrogen and<br />
progesterone. During pregnancy,<br />
the levels of these hormones<br />
change dramatically, which may<br />
impact the immune system.<br />
Further research is needed to<br />
understand the link between MS,<br />
pregnancy, and hormone levels.<br />
Large registry studies involving<br />
data from thousands of people with<br />
MS – like MS Base and the UK’s MS<br />
Register – are one way to help build<br />
this picture.<br />
FROM MS RESEARCH AUSTRALIA<br />
Read more at: msra.org.au<br />
Ofatumumab – a repurposed<br />
treatment<br />
The American Food and Drug<br />
Administration (FDA) approved<br />
ofatumumab (tradename Kesimpta)<br />
for relapsing MS, including clinically<br />
isolated syndrome, relapsingremitting<br />
MS (RRMS), and active<br />
secondary progressive MS (SPMS).<br />
It has yet to be approved for use<br />
in Australia.<br />
Ofatumumab, originally a cancer<br />
treatment, has been ‘repurposed’<br />
for use in relapsing-remitting MS.<br />
Like some other MS medications,<br />
ofatumumab is an antibody which<br />
targets a protein called CD20 (found<br />
on a specific type of immune cell,<br />
known as a B cell).<br />
It has been used since 2009 for<br />
the treatment of chronic<br />
lymphocytic leukemia (under the<br />
tradename Arzerra).<br />
Ofatumumab is a ‘monoclonal<br />
antibody’, self-administered monthly<br />
by injection at home. Antibodies<br />
are proteins normally made by the<br />
immune system to target foreign<br />
invaders. ‘Monoclonal’ antibodies<br />
are so named because they have<br />
one specific target for destruction.<br />
In this case, ofatumumab has<br />
been engineered to target CD20, a<br />
molecule found on a type of immune<br />
cell thought to be important in<br />
the development and progression<br />
of MS. Other medications used<br />
to target CD20 in MS have<br />
included rituximab (Rituxan) and<br />
ocrelizumab (Ocrevus).<br />
10
Reduction in immune cells has been<br />
especially powerful in reducing<br />
relapses in RRMS, however, it has<br />
had less clinical effect in some<br />
forms of progressive forms of MS<br />
as progressive forms of MS are<br />
thought to generally have lower<br />
levels of inflammation.<br />
In clinical trials named ASCLEPIOS I<br />
and II, ofatumumab was compared<br />
against teriflunomide (Aubagio).<br />
Results showed that average yearly<br />
rates of relapses for patients with<br />
MS were reduced by 51% for those<br />
who received ofatumumab, and<br />
by 58% for those who received<br />
teriflunomide. A larger number<br />
in the ofatumumab group had<br />
no evidence of MS activity during<br />
the trial, measured via number of<br />
relapses, disability worsening, and<br />
MRI activity. No evidence of disease<br />
activity is widely recognised as the<br />
optimal treatment goal in MS.<br />
Potential side effects include<br />
injection-related reactions and<br />
increased risk of infections. We<br />
await review by the Therapeutic<br />
Goods Administration and<br />
Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory<br />
Committee to determine whether<br />
ofatumumab will become available<br />
and subsidised for MS in Australia<br />
and for whom.<br />
How do additional medical<br />
conditions impact a person’s MS?<br />
Three new Australian studies<br />
investigated how common<br />
additional medical conditions are<br />
in people with MS, and how they<br />
impact MS symptoms and overall<br />
quality of life.<br />
People with MS had higher rates<br />
of other medical conditions than<br />
the general population including<br />
depression, high blood pressure<br />
and gastrointestinal problems.<br />
Additional medical conditions can<br />
exacerbate MS symptoms and<br />
reduce quality of life, so early and<br />
targeted management of these<br />
is important to benefit people<br />
with MS.<br />
The Australian MS Longitudinal<br />
Study (AMSLS), MS Research<br />
Australia’s collaborative research<br />
platform, has been running for<br />
almost twenty years. In recent years<br />
there has been increasing interest<br />
in the role of additional medical<br />
conditions (or ‘comorbidities’) in<br />
people with MS. There are many<br />
reports that they can delay an MS<br />
diagnosis, alter the progression of<br />
disability, affect treatment use, limit<br />
physical activity, and significantly<br />
reduce quality of life.<br />
Three new AMSLS studies by Dr<br />
Lara Lo from the University of<br />
Tasmania published in the Journal<br />
of Neurology investigated how<br />
other medical conditions impact<br />
Australians living with MS.<br />
/ The first study surveyed additional<br />
medical conditions in people<br />
with MS in Australia. Of the<br />
19 conditions analysed, 14 of<br />
these were significantly more<br />
common in people with MS<br />
than in the general population.<br />
These included cancer, heart<br />
and vascular diseases, anxiety,<br />
depression, and gastrointestinal<br />
disorders. There was no difference<br />
in the prevalence of these medical<br />
conditions between relapsingand<br />
progressive-onset disease,<br />
but the prevalence was higher in<br />
those with a longer duration of MS.<br />
MS might contribute to the risk<br />
of developing other conditions, or<br />
there might be shared factors that<br />
predispose people either directly<br />
or indirectly to several conditions<br />
including MS.<br />
/ The second study examined the<br />
impact of additional medical<br />
conditions on the severity of<br />
MS symptoms. The researchers<br />
found that MS symptoms were<br />
more severe in people with a<br />
higher number of other medical<br />
conditions, with the greatest<br />
effects on depression, anxiety,<br />
and pain.<br />
When analysed individually, mental<br />
health disorders (such as diagnosed<br />
depression) and musculoskeletal<br />
disorders (such as osteoporosis)<br />
had the most influence on MS<br />
symptoms. Mental health disorders<br />
were linked to increased severity<br />
of MS symptoms including anxiety,<br />
cognitive issues, fatigue, and sexual<br />
dysfunction; while musculoskeletal<br />
disorders were associated with<br />
increased pain, walking and balance<br />
issues, and bowel and bladder<br />
issues.<br />
/ The final study measured quality<br />
of life in people with MS, including<br />
factors such as happiness, coping,<br />
relationships, self-worth, mental<br />
health, independent living,<br />
senses and pain. Not surprisingly,<br />
having a higher number of<br />
additional medical conditions<br />
was associated with reduced<br />
quality of life, with mental health<br />
disorders having the greatest<br />
impact, and musculoskeletal<br />
disorders the second largest<br />
contributor.<br />
These studies highlight the<br />
huge impact additional medical<br />
conditions have on a person’s MS<br />
and their quality of life, as well as<br />
the importance of identifying and<br />
actively managing these conditions.<br />
Early and routine screening for<br />
other medical conditions should<br />
be integral to monitoring. Mental<br />
health and musculoskeletal<br />
conditions had the greatest impact<br />
for people with MS, so successful<br />
monitoring and management is<br />
vital to improving quality of life.<br />
11
NURSING<br />
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND<br />
OTHERS IN THE FLU SEASON<br />
DON’T FORGET YOUR FLU SHOT<br />
Each winter brings the risk of flu, and<br />
annual flu vaccinations will soon be<br />
offered. The Australian Government<br />
recommends that everyone over<br />
the age of 6 months has the flu shot<br />
every year, especially those at risk;<br />
the young, the elderly and those<br />
with pre-existing illnesses.<br />
Our Clients often ask whether they<br />
should have the vaccination.<br />
Our medical advisor Professor<br />
Bill Carroll offers the following<br />
comment:<br />
"There is no evidence that these<br />
vaccinations make MS worse<br />
or cause a relapse. Should a<br />
relapse occur, around the time<br />
of 'flu' vaccination it is thought<br />
to be coincidental. Occasionally<br />
people with MS can have a brief<br />
exacerbation of existing MS<br />
symptoms, due to vaccination<br />
associated fever or fatigue, but this<br />
is not worsening of the MS.<br />
People with MS are advised to<br />
discuss any concerns with their<br />
treating neurologist or physician as<br />
soon as possible as it is essential to<br />
have the vaccination earlier rather<br />
than later to reduce the risk of<br />
contracting the flu.”<br />
Don’t forget that your GP and/or Getting vaccinated against the<br />
neurologist can advise you on these<br />
important health matters.<br />
flu helps protect you and the<br />
people around you. It’s particularly<br />
important to protect vulnerable<br />
It’s difficult to predict who will catch<br />
people in the community who can’t<br />
influenza (usually referred to as the<br />
be vaccinated, such as babies who<br />
flu), or who will become seriously ill<br />
are younger than 6 months and<br />
from it. The flu can require someone<br />
adults with low immunity.<br />
to be hospitalised and it can even<br />
be fatal.<br />
The Government funded Health Direct<br />
(healthdirect.gov.au/colds-and-flu-treatments)<br />
is packed with health information and advice.<br />
You can call a Health Direct RN 24/7<br />
for free advice: 1800 022 222.<br />
SUE SHAPLAND RN, BN, MSCN<br />
GENERAL MANAGER<br />
STRATEGIC SUPPORTS AND<br />
RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS<br />
12
COVID-19 VACCINATION GUIDANCE FOR<br />
PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS<br />
The current number one health priority around the world is the rapid and efficient roll<br />
out of an effective vaccine(s) for the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on known risk factors for<br />
complications and death from the virus several priority groups have been identified for the<br />
roll out of vaccination programs, but this is also heavily influenced by service delivery factors<br />
(eg healthcare workers).<br />
Evidence shows that people with MS<br />
(PwMS) are no more likely to develop<br />
COVID-19 or its complications,<br />
including those on treatment<br />
(with the possible exception of<br />
those on ocrelizumab who may<br />
be at very slightly increased risk of<br />
complications but not death). Those<br />
with higher levels of disability (such<br />
as advanced progressive MS) may<br />
be at increased risk of complications<br />
from COVID-19.<br />
The overall mortality from COVID-19<br />
in Australia is consistent with<br />
other parts of the world at 3.2% (8<br />
January <strong>2021</strong>). This means that on<br />
average three out of every 100 who<br />
might contract COVID-19 would not<br />
survive. Although infection rates in<br />
Australia and New Zealand remain<br />
very low, recent outbreaks (mostly<br />
related to quarantine breaches)<br />
have shown that further cases<br />
are inevitable.<br />
Nine vaccines have now been<br />
formally tested in phase III clinical<br />
trials in adults and have been<br />
approved in some parts of the<br />
world, and all have proven to be<br />
highly effective and very safe.<br />
Of the three vaccines currently<br />
available in the US/EU/UK, two are<br />
being organised for distribution<br />
in Australia starting mid-February<br />
<strong>2021</strong>. These are the Pfizer/BioNTech<br />
mRNA vaccine and the AstraZeneca<br />
or Oxford vaccine.<br />
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<br />
As a PwMS should I have the<br />
COVID-19 vaccination?<br />
It is currently recommended that<br />
everyone over the age of 18 years<br />
should be vaccinated against<br />
COVID-19. There is no specific data<br />
relating to the administration of<br />
any of the vaccines to PwMS, but<br />
studies in the US and EU are being<br />
conducted concurrently. However,<br />
there is no theoretical reason<br />
why any of the currently available<br />
vaccines destined for Australia will<br />
pose any particular risk to PwMS.<br />
The risks of COVID-19 are very real,<br />
are higher in PwMS with higher<br />
levels of disability, and far outweigh<br />
any conceivable risk from the<br />
vaccines.<br />
Could the vaccine trigger a relapse<br />
of my MS?<br />
There is currently no evidence to<br />
suggest that this might be the case.<br />
All of the vaccines can produce<br />
side effects that include fever and<br />
fatigue. Fever can on rare occasions<br />
cause a re-emergence of previous<br />
MS symptoms (a so-called ‘pseudorelapse’)<br />
but it is widely thought<br />
that this only lasts as long as the<br />
fever is present (usually less than 24<br />
hours) and does not imply any new<br />
inflammation or damage to the<br />
nervous system. Similarly, fatigue<br />
to vaccination can be similar to MSrelated<br />
fatigue, but this should be<br />
only temporary.<br />
PROFESSOR BILL CARROLL AM<br />
13
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT TEAM<br />
THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL<br />
AREA COORDINATOR (LAC)<br />
The year 2015 was significant for many different reasons. A guy call Bruno Mars had us all dancing<br />
to something called ‘Uptown Funk’ while Star Wars: The Force Awakens returned Han Solo<br />
to our screens for the first time in 32 years. However, perhaps most importantly, we started<br />
to see the what the NDIS would look like and how the new disability scheme would function.<br />
One significant announcement was<br />
that the Productivity Commission<br />
would be allocating around $550<br />
million per annum to allow the NDIA<br />
to employ Local Area Coordinators<br />
(LACs) with the stated goal of<br />
connecting people with disability<br />
to services and improving the<br />
way mainstream services support<br />
people with disabilities.<br />
Like most things there was a<br />
slight delay in getting started<br />
with the two companies picked<br />
to deliver the LAC services across<br />
WA (Mission Australia and APM)<br />
not commencing services until the<br />
last half of 2019. Nevertheless, once<br />
commenced these positions proved<br />
a valuable resource for you to help<br />
get the most out of your plan.<br />
The main role of the LAC is to be the<br />
visible ‘face’ of the NDIS. The NDIA<br />
is a massive organisation where it<br />
is sometimes hard to find someone<br />
to have an actual conversation.<br />
Therefore, LACs provide participants<br />
with a human interaction and<br />
help to bridge the gap between<br />
themselves, the agency and service<br />
providers such as <strong>MSWA</strong>. So, what<br />
exactly do LACs do and how do they<br />
connect with <strong>MSWA</strong>’s team?<br />
PLANNING<br />
Once you are deemed eligible to<br />
receive an NDIS plan you will be<br />
allocated a LAC who will meet<br />
with you to develop a plan. It is<br />
important to note that your LAC<br />
does NOT approve your plan. They<br />
send recommendations to the<br />
NDIS planners, who make decisions<br />
about what is reasonable and<br />
necessary.<br />
It is also important to remember that<br />
these planning sessions are about<br />
you. No matter what the LAC says,<br />
you can advocate for the services<br />
and/or service providers that suit<br />
you. The plan should suit your life,<br />
not the beliefs of the planner. If you<br />
are not happy with your plan, speak<br />
to your LAC about it.<br />
Finally, do not forget that<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong>’s Customer Relationship<br />
Coordinators are also here to help<br />
during these planning meetings<br />
and will happily support you with<br />
pre-planning sessions and attend<br />
planning meetings.<br />
PLAN REVIEWS<br />
Despite the best efforts at planning,<br />
at times participants will find that<br />
their active plan is no longer suiting<br />
their service needs. This is where<br />
LACs become very important.<br />
Remember these people are the<br />
face of the NDIS so if the scheme is<br />
not working for you, ask them what<br />
they can do.<br />
It should be noted that LACs are<br />
not available for ongoing case<br />
management support, <strong>MSWA</strong>’s<br />
Customer Liaison Coordinators (CLCs)<br />
provide that service. But it does mean<br />
that the LACs should be available if<br />
your plan is not meeting your needs.<br />
COMMUNITY LINKAGES<br />
LACs also have an important role<br />
in developing more inclusive<br />
communities for people with<br />
disability, leading to increased<br />
opportunities and choices for you<br />
outside of the funded scheme. LACs<br />
can help you to understand what<br />
community supports are available<br />
in your local area and assist you to<br />
link to these supports.<br />
One word of caution – as noted in the<br />
previous <strong>Bulletin</strong> – the introduction<br />
of the ‘Independent Assessors’ will<br />
likely have a significant affect on the<br />
planning and plan review process<br />
so the long-term role of Local Area<br />
Coordinators may change, however<br />
for now they remain a valuable<br />
resource that can be called upon.<br />
A good relationship between you<br />
and your LAC is important. While<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong>’s team will do whatever we<br />
can to help you get the most out<br />
of your plans, there are limits to<br />
our ability to influence the Agency.<br />
That is where LACs come into the<br />
picture by providing a direct link<br />
into the NDIA. They are paid to help.<br />
So, make sure that they do.<br />
GEOFF HUTCHINSON<br />
MANAGER CUSTOMER<br />
ENGAGEMENT<br />
14
NEW STAFF AT <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> would like to introduce you to some of our new managers, who you may encounter<br />
when receiving our services and support.<br />
CRYSTAL CHAN<br />
MANAGER –<br />
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY<br />
I started with <strong>MSWA</strong> as Manager of<br />
Occupational Therapy in December<br />
2020. I have worked and managed<br />
teams within the not-for-profit<br />
sector in the last decade. As an OT,<br />
I have had previous experiences<br />
within Aged Care, Vision<br />
Rehabilitation and Workplace<br />
Modifications. Most recently I<br />
have spent time managing allied<br />
health teams in areas of NDIS<br />
and paediatrics and have enjoyed<br />
seeing growth in staff in their<br />
professions and with each other to<br />
achieve common goals.<br />
My passion in the field of<br />
occupational therapy has always<br />
been to promote a person’s<br />
independence and I count it a<br />
privilege to be able to journey with<br />
the Client and see them grow and<br />
achieve their goals. I am excited<br />
about being able to lead and work<br />
with the <strong>MSWA</strong> Occupational<br />
Therapy team – whether it is<br />
providing equipment, therapy or<br />
supporting family members – they<br />
all do it with a smile on their face<br />
knowing that they have made a<br />
difference in the Clients’ lives.<br />
JAMES BECKETT<br />
MANAGER – PHYSIOTHERAPY<br />
I came to work at <strong>MSWA</strong> as a<br />
physiotherapist a little over two<br />
years ago, seeking a more rewarding<br />
place of work. After beginning at<br />
our Rockingham and Mandurah<br />
facilities I quickly realised that<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> was where I wanted to be,<br />
which is why I’m delighted to be the<br />
new Manager of Physiotherapy.<br />
I have worn many hats over the<br />
course of my career working as a<br />
coach, an exercise physiologist and<br />
a physiotherapist to name a few.<br />
I have worked in elite sport and in<br />
private practice but have come full<br />
circle to end up back in the disability<br />
sector where my real passion lies.<br />
The common theme across my<br />
career is that it has always been<br />
about people and helping them<br />
to get the best out of themselves.<br />
I plan to approach my new role<br />
in the same way – by supporting<br />
my outstanding team, to together<br />
provide the best possible services to<br />
our Clients.<br />
VICTORIA AMEY<br />
COMMUNITY SUPPORT MANAGER<br />
I am the new Community Support<br />
Manager at <strong>MSWA</strong>, having<br />
commenced in November 2020.<br />
I have worked primarily in the<br />
community services sector with a<br />
lengthy background in the aged<br />
care and carer sector along with<br />
experience at the WA Department<br />
of Health. I have a passion for<br />
working to support people to<br />
remain living in their home with<br />
the individualised supports to meet<br />
their needs.<br />
15
<strong>MSWA</strong> CLIENT<br />
CONTINUING TO SUPPORT<br />
DENISE’S JOURNEY IN ALBANY<br />
Denise Amato was leading a very busy life in 2011, running a small business with her husband<br />
and looking forward to future travel plans, when, at the age of 56, she started experiencing<br />
fatigue and muscle weakness in her legs and the left side of her body. This, she would later<br />
come to realise, was the beginning of her journey with primary progressive multiple sclerosis<br />
(PPMS), the neurological condition she was diagnosed with two years later.<br />
Denise has lived in Albany most<br />
of her life and has always been<br />
a very active member of the<br />
community, spending a lot of time<br />
outdoors – walking, swimming and<br />
bodyboarding. Today, symptoms<br />
of reduced mobility and fatigue<br />
have meant taking a step back<br />
from some of the more highintensity<br />
activities. She recalls one<br />
of the hardest things to give up<br />
after her diagnosis was her regular<br />
involvement in ‘Granny Grommets’ –<br />
an over-50s women’s bodyboarding<br />
group who meet every Friday, rain,<br />
hail or shine. Happily, she remains<br />
a social member and is in regular<br />
contact with the group.<br />
Denise continues to swim<br />
recreationally, and in 2019 – along<br />
with a squad of her family and<br />
fabulous ‘swim buddies’ – raised over<br />
$14,000 for <strong>MSWA</strong> by participating<br />
in the annual <strong>MSWA</strong> Albany Swim.<br />
Until recently, Denise had avoided<br />
a traditional mobility walker but<br />
was delighted when her <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
Support Coordinator, Lisa, sourced<br />
a stylish, ultra-lite graphite design.<br />
“I’m very pleased with my new<br />
super-duper ‘oyster white’ walker,”<br />
laughs Denise.<br />
She credits <strong>MSWA</strong> with opening so<br />
many doors for her that wouldn’t<br />
have been accessible otherwise.<br />
“The thing I value the most about<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> is that for the past seven<br />
years they have been the one and<br />
only constant in my journey. The<br />
facilities <strong>MSWA</strong> provide and the<br />
money they are contributing to<br />
research, I know from personal<br />
experience, make a real difference<br />
to the lives of ordinary people trying<br />
to come to terms with living with<br />
multiple sclerosis.<br />
“Before my diagnosis, I had been<br />
used to being independent and<br />
keeping active. It took me a long<br />
time to realise I could call on help<br />
and that I should not feel guilty<br />
about accepting it. For example,<br />
Maureen, the <strong>MSWA</strong> nurse in<br />
Albany, encouraged me to sign up<br />
to the NDIS before I turned 65. I<br />
didn’t think it was appropriate for<br />
me, but it opened up a whole lot of<br />
doors for us. My husband had polio<br />
as a child, so he is also living with<br />
a disability. An NDIS plan enabled<br />
us to get a yard man, which is a<br />
fantastic help.<br />
“I have a very supportive<br />
family and close friends<br />
whom I value greatly and<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> have taken a lot of<br />
the stress off them as I can<br />
source help independently.”<br />
Currently, Denise accesses <strong>MSWA</strong>’s<br />
physiotherapy, yoga and nursing<br />
services. She also attends the annual<br />
retreat in the Great Southern, which<br />
she adores. “I love the yearly <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
Camp in Denmark. Everything<br />
is taken care of for us. It’s a little<br />
bit of a break and allows some<br />
respite for family. I probably think<br />
about MS less than I ever do when<br />
I’m on those camps. They are so<br />
much fun.”<br />
Denise welcomed the recent<br />
announcement that <strong>MSWA</strong> have<br />
begun constructing a new stateof-the-art<br />
$7M facility in Albany.<br />
A purpose-built Services Centre<br />
will continue to provide <strong>MSWA</strong>’s<br />
regional Clients with services such<br />
as physiotherapy, occupational<br />
therapy, nursing, counselling,<br />
speech, dietetics and outreach.<br />
“Everyone’s very excited about<br />
the new Centre. I go regularly<br />
to physiotherapy at the current<br />
Lotteries House location. It’s a<br />
shared facility and the physios<br />
operate out of a couple of small<br />
rooms, so it’s very constrained.<br />
They do an amazing job with<br />
the space they have but the new<br />
dedicated location will make a huge<br />
difference.”<br />
16
In addition, an adjoining High<br />
Support Accommodation Facility<br />
will feature 10 fully accessible<br />
units to cater for <strong>MSWA</strong>’s high<br />
support Clients, with 24-hour care<br />
provided on-site. It will be the first<br />
accommodation facility of its kind<br />
in the Great Southern.<br />
“The opportunity for people living<br />
with neurological conditions in<br />
Albany to have specialised living<br />
facilities is so important,” explains<br />
Denise. “There’s people younger<br />
than me who are currently in<br />
nursing homes because there’s<br />
nowhere else to go.”<br />
“Nobody living with MS really<br />
knows what the future holds<br />
for them, but I do know that<br />
I am in very good hands with<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> and that means a lot.”<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> Client, Denise Amato, at home in her garden.<br />
THE <strong>MSWA</strong> QUALITY & COMPLIANCE TEAM HAS GROWN<br />
The <strong>MSWA</strong> Quality and Compliance Team now comprises of two new staff – Alison Cox, Manager Quality<br />
and Compliance, and Michelle John, Complaint Liaison & Compliance Coordinator.<br />
Quality and compliance are an essential function of any organisation – especially those providing care and<br />
services to people. <strong>MSWA</strong> is committed to ensuring that the care and services provided to our Clients is<br />
safe and of the highest possible standard.<br />
We always want to hear what is working well, and what we could look to improve on. The <strong>MSWA</strong> Quality<br />
and Compliance team are a small team who, with the support of Clients, staff, and managers, identify our<br />
strengths and what areas require development. Even if we are providing care and services to a very high<br />
standard, there are always things that we can do better.<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> also needs to demonstrate to both our Clients and external governing agencies that we meet certain<br />
standards, such as the NDIS Practice Standards and the Aged Care Quality Standards. These standards<br />
have been put in place to ensure all organisations delivering disability or aged care services provide high<br />
quality and safe supports to Clients.<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> is committed to putting all the necessary safeguards in place to allow our staff to provide the very<br />
best care and services, and our Quality and Compliance team are working hard with all the teams to make<br />
sure this continues!<br />
17
COUNSELLING<br />
MEN,<br />
LET’S<br />
TALK<br />
MICHAELA MUNDY<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> SENIOR COUNSELLOR<br />
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every Australian in some way. However, in broad<br />
terms, men especially are still very reluctant to speak up about the stresses and pressures<br />
that they are experiencing.<br />
Everyone has an understanding<br />
about physical sensations, for<br />
example a headache or sprain,<br />
but many men grow up never<br />
being able to acknowledge mental<br />
health changes. When we go<br />
through significant changes, as<br />
with chronic health conditions, we<br />
can experience mood changes,<br />
feelings of anger and intolerance,<br />
difficulties sleeping or feeling<br />
unmotivated. You may not feel like<br />
you can concentrate as well as usual<br />
or you forget things. Many people<br />
feel something isn’t quite right but<br />
don’t connect it to anxiety.<br />
There is nothing inherent about<br />
men or masculinity that would<br />
say men don’t experience mental<br />
health challenges, or that they can’t<br />
talk about it. It is experiences and<br />
society’s rules that create this certain<br />
way of thinking. If you are a man<br />
struggling with your mental health<br />
or experiencing anxiety, it does not<br />
make you any less of a man – all men<br />
go through something in some way.<br />
It is so important to be kind to<br />
yourself and be able to say it’s okay<br />
to feel these things and it’s okay to<br />
get support.<br />
Talk it over – either with a<br />
mate or maybe touch base<br />
with a qualified Counsellor<br />
at <strong>MSWA</strong>.<br />
If you have a mate who seems to be<br />
struggling, it can be a challenge to<br />
know how to broach the subject.<br />
There is research that has shown<br />
that men find it easier to have these<br />
conversations when they are sitting<br />
side by side. Beyond Blue call it<br />
‘Chat Lap’ (link for website is below)<br />
– encouraging men to talk whilst<br />
side by side in the car. Think of other<br />
activities that you and your friends<br />
or family enjoy, such as fishing,<br />
walking, cooking, that would<br />
enable you to bring up challenging<br />
subjects in a less confronting way.<br />
Having a distraction can just make<br />
it feel less in-your-face.<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> run an open Men’s Group<br />
at Kelmscott four times a year. We<br />
are also looking for expressions of<br />
interest from men in Mandurah to<br />
meet at the Mandurah Centre. We<br />
combine educational topics and a<br />
chance to connect with other men.<br />
If you are interested in either of<br />
these, please contact Michaela or<br />
Janice for more information.<br />
Men’s Group<br />
michaela.mundy@mswa.org.au or<br />
janice.petrovic@mswa.org.au<br />
Beyond Blue<br />
beyondblue.org.au/who-does-itaffect/men/looking-out-for-yourmates<br />
18
NURSING<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> NURSING IN A<br />
HOSPITAL SETTING<br />
As we reflect on what has been an extraordinary year in every industry and business, <strong>MSWA</strong> has<br />
continued to support people in the community living with neurological conditions.<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> provides support to the<br />
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) clinics<br />
and Motor Neurone Disease<br />
(MND) clinics at various hospital<br />
locations across Perth including<br />
The Perron Institute, Fiona Stanley<br />
State Rehabilitation Centre, Royal<br />
Perth Hospital and St John of God<br />
Midland. At present, support is<br />
provided to at least nine MS clinics<br />
and three MND clinics weekly. In<br />
<strong>2021</strong> we will continue our efforts to<br />
expand this service for our Clients.<br />
An opportunity to collaborate with<br />
the clinics supporting individuals<br />
with other neurological conditions<br />
such as Parkinson’s has arisen and<br />
will be thoroughly explored.<br />
Role of Neurological Liaison Nurses<br />
at clinics<br />
The last six months has seen a<br />
huge shift in the Nursing team at<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong>. Not only have we expanded<br />
our scope of practice to include<br />
clinical nursing, but we have also<br />
progressively increased the number<br />
of nurses supporting clinics in<br />
the hospitals. Known as the<br />
Neurological Liaison Nurses (NLN),<br />
their role in the hospital clinics<br />
includes:<br />
/ Providing support to the<br />
neurologist during the clinic visit<br />
/ Providing emotional support to<br />
the Client during the consultation<br />
/ Assisting the Client with<br />
connecting to Allied Health<br />
Services and other health<br />
professionals where required<br />
/ Providing education and training<br />
related to MS medications<br />
/ Liaising with the Client’s GPs if<br />
and when necessary, in order<br />
to advocate for ongoing care in<br />
the home. Discussions related to<br />
symptom management can be<br />
had with the nurse during and<br />
after the clinic consultation.<br />
Once connected to a NLN,<br />
every Client is supported in the<br />
community as they journey<br />
together, from the time of diagnosis<br />
through to the later stages of their<br />
condition.<br />
Our aim in the <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
Nursing team is to continue<br />
to provide a quality service<br />
of support and education<br />
to our Clients living with a<br />
neurological condition,<br />
both in the clinic and<br />
community settings.<br />
To find out more about the<br />
clinics please speak to your<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> nurse.<br />
19
VOLUNTEERING<br />
WE HELPED<br />
EACH OTHER<br />
Marie Harris has served as an <strong>MSWA</strong> volunteer for 30 years.<br />
“In 1989, I’d hardly ever heard of<br />
multiple sclerosis,” says Marie Harris.<br />
“I’ve learned a lot about MS over<br />
the years.”<br />
1989 was the year she moved from<br />
Perth to Bunbury to be closer to<br />
one of her daughters. “I didn’t have<br />
much to do down there, so when<br />
I saw an ad to be the secretary<br />
of the MS Society (now <strong>MSWA</strong>), I<br />
volunteered.”<br />
Back then, the team in Bunbury<br />
was very small. Initially, Marie’s role<br />
was connecting newly diagnosed<br />
Clients with the <strong>MSWA</strong> nurse in<br />
Perth. Then, she started helping<br />
with the Outreach group – making<br />
tea and accompanying Clients on<br />
picnics in the country.<br />
“The group in Bunbury really grew,”<br />
recalls Marie.<br />
She realised she wasn’t the only one<br />
who knew little about MS. “People<br />
knew nothing about it. I enjoyed<br />
raising awareness. I’d do the car<br />
raffle each year – going to the<br />
big shopping centres, sitting there<br />
on a little stool and people would<br />
donate.”<br />
It was also Marie’s task to deposit<br />
any money raised into the<br />
organisation’s bank account every<br />
Wednesday. “It was a very serious<br />
job – very important,” she laughs.<br />
She also started the Outreach<br />
group’s lottery club. “I started<br />
buying a lotto ticket every Saturday<br />
for the group. We occasionally had<br />
little wins but it was mostly for the<br />
fun of it. They’re still doing it now,<br />
someone took over.”<br />
In 2016, Marie received the state<br />
government’s ‘WA Volunteer Service<br />
Award’, given to individuals who<br />
volunteer for 25 years at a single<br />
organisation. “The medal I received<br />
is very dear to me,” she says. “I keep<br />
it in my jewellery box.”<br />
Marie was born and raised in Chile.<br />
She left to join the air force in World<br />
War II, which took her to Ceylon<br />
(now Sri Lanka) where she met her<br />
English husband. In 1968, the pair<br />
and their four children immigrated<br />
to Australia.<br />
Another impressive aspect of<br />
Marie’s life is her involvement in<br />
the mature age Masters swimming<br />
club in Bunbury, a group that she<br />
founded 30 years ago.<br />
“When I was living in Perth, I was<br />
really lonely for a time. I wanted<br />
to do something other than just<br />
sit and watch TV and go to sleep. I<br />
found out about a swimming club<br />
nearby. It was marvellous! They<br />
helped me with my swimming and<br />
we all formed strong friendships.<br />
Like Outreach, it was about people<br />
helping each other. When I moved<br />
down to Bunbury, I said, “There’s a<br />
pool here, there’s mature swimmers,<br />
why not?” So I started digging and<br />
finding people to join.”<br />
Three decades later, the group has<br />
over 70 members, and Marie has a<br />
large collection of medals for her<br />
swimming achievements in the WA<br />
State Masters Games, mostly for<br />
backstroke.<br />
Marie recently moved to Perth<br />
to live with daughter and son-inlaw,<br />
Carol and Dennis. At age 96,<br />
problems with her vertebrae mean<br />
she can no longer live alone.<br />
Lynda Whitton, who lives in<br />
Bunbury, first met Marie upon<br />
joining <strong>MSWA</strong> 25 years ago. The<br />
pair have had many adventures<br />
together over the years and remain<br />
firm friends.<br />
20
“She’s an inspiration,” says Lynda. “She was still<br />
competitively swimming at the age of 89. She ran<br />
with the Olympic Torch through Bunbury. I would<br />
like to think I’m as active and mentally alert as her<br />
at her age. So would ninety percent of the people<br />
at the <strong>MSWA</strong> hub in Bunbury. Since she moved to<br />
Perth last year, not a week goes by where someone<br />
doesn’t ask ‘have you heard from Marie?’”<br />
In 2018, Marie was recognised for<br />
her incredible 30 years of service<br />
to <strong>MSWA</strong>. “It was a lovely time,”<br />
she recalls. “Marcus Stafford was<br />
there. He gave the Certificate of<br />
Appreciation to me.”<br />
She says she misses Bunbury but<br />
that the memories stay with her. “I<br />
have fond memories of the people<br />
I met in the Bunbury Outreach<br />
group. They were all wonderful<br />
people. We helped each other.”<br />
L to R: Celebrating her 96th birthday with the Bunbury crew (2020),<br />
cuddles with a Client’s granddaughter (2010), Bastille Day at Bunbury Outreach (2017).<br />
WOULD YOU<br />
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ONLINE?<br />
Register your email address today to start<br />
receiving our monthly Vitality e-newsletter<br />
or the <strong>Bulletin</strong> magazine online.<br />
Email damien.hill@mswa.org.au or call 9365 4814<br />
and let us know your current email address,<br />
or to update your contact details.<br />
21
COUNSELLING<br />
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES<br />
STATE CONFERENCE<br />
ELLEN-MAY EATON<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> CLIENT<br />
CHERRY CHAPMAN<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> COUNSELLOR<br />
In November, we both attended the inaugural State Conference, organised by People<br />
with Disabilities WA (PWdWA). PWdWA plays a key advocacy role for both individuals and<br />
systemic issues.<br />
The conference was largely planned<br />
by a committee of people with<br />
disabilities and most sessions<br />
were presented by people with<br />
disabilities. It was certainly a fresh<br />
approach to attending a conference<br />
and one where we were made<br />
to feel welcome. Arrangements<br />
considered a full range of disabilities<br />
– from access for wheelchairs, to<br />
supports for those who were deaf,<br />
blind, as well as many other issues.<br />
The significant key speakers shared<br />
their life stories of achievement<br />
and overcoming adversity. Prue<br />
Hawkins, who created her own<br />
successful law firm here in Perth,<br />
was inspiring, as was Senator<br />
Jordan Steele-John (WA Greens<br />
Senator) who highlighted the<br />
disability rights movement, its<br />
achievements to date and areas for<br />
future focus. Samantha Jenkinson,<br />
the State Director, gave a detailed<br />
account of the new NDIS Quality<br />
and Safeguards Commission, and<br />
finally Dr Rita Kleinfeld-Fowell,<br />
professional advocate and disability<br />
discrimination lawyer working for<br />
Midlas (Midland Information Debt<br />
and Legal Advocacy Service), shared<br />
her life’s journey through adversity.<br />
A smaller organisation we became<br />
aware of was WA Individualised<br />
Services (WAis) which works<br />
in partnership with people,<br />
families, service providers and<br />
government to promote and<br />
advance individualised, selfdirected<br />
supports and services.<br />
It was difficult to choose between<br />
the many workshops on offer at<br />
the conference. We came away<br />
filled with information, energy, and<br />
excitement about what is out there<br />
to support people with disabilities.<br />
PWdWA website: pwdwa.org<br />
WAis website:<br />
waindividualisedservices.org.au<br />
22
PHYSIOTHERAPY<br />
CONTINENCE PHYSIOTHERAPY<br />
Hello everyone, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Marga and I am a<br />
physiotherapist who recently joined <strong>MSWA</strong>. I am currently finishing a post-graduate in<br />
Continence Physiotherapy at Curtin University.<br />
I am currently promoting bladder<br />
and bowel healthy habits. In this<br />
article, I would like to focus on<br />
bladder issues and some tips on how<br />
we can support these symptoms.<br />
Bladder function in neurological<br />
conditions<br />
MS, Parkinson’s and other<br />
neurological conditions can affect<br />
the nerves that connect your brain<br />
with your bladder, and this may<br />
produce a change in your ability to<br />
empty or store urine.<br />
What are the common symptoms?<br />
1. Issues with storage<br />
- Urgency: the need to urinate<br />
in a rush. For example, before<br />
opening the door at home<br />
- Frequency: the need to urinate<br />
regularly more than 6-8 times<br />
per day<br />
- Nocturia: needing to go to<br />
the toilet more than one time<br />
per night<br />
2. Issues with emptying<br />
Failure to empty your bladder<br />
completely. Some issues can<br />
include interrupted flow, poor flow,<br />
straining when emptying, dribble<br />
post emptying and needing to<br />
empty again immediately.<br />
3. Issues after emptying<br />
Incomplete emptying is the feel<br />
that your bladder is still full after<br />
urination.<br />
What does a physiotherapist<br />
ask or do during a continence<br />
assessment?<br />
We ask what symptoms are<br />
bothering you the most, as we want<br />
to focus on your individual goals.<br />
During your initial assessment,<br />
we ask questions in relation to<br />
your bladder symptoms, your diet,<br />
your current medication and your<br />
previous treatment.<br />
During the assessment, we may<br />
provide you with a bladder diary<br />
that you will have to complete at<br />
home for three consecutive days.<br />
This is a simple way of having a<br />
measurement of input versus<br />
output of your fluids. With your<br />
bladder diary information, we can<br />
determine if you have issues with<br />
storage or emptying and make a<br />
joint decision of what can help your<br />
symptoms.<br />
During examination, we can also<br />
perform a pelvic floor muscle<br />
examination.<br />
What can I do to help my symptoms?<br />
1. Bladder habits: including bladder<br />
retraining, avoiding bladder<br />
irritating foods and drinks,<br />
suppression strategies to calm<br />
your urgency.<br />
2. Pelvic floor muscle strengthening:<br />
if your main bladder symptom is<br />
leaking with coughing, sneezing,<br />
lifting, or moving between<br />
different positions, pelvic floor<br />
muscle strengthening can help<br />
your symptoms. It is common<br />
not to be aware of your pelvic<br />
floor muscles. In some cases,<br />
people find it hard to strengthen<br />
them correctly.<br />
Margarita Ruiz Martinez,<br />
the newest member of the<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> Physiotherapy team<br />
3. A review with your <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
Neurological Liaison Nurse would<br />
be indicated if you are having<br />
symptoms of urine retention.<br />
In this case, your nurse will go<br />
through an assessment and<br />
treatment options.<br />
4. Further management: review<br />
with a specialist to discuss other<br />
options such as Botox.<br />
If you would like to book a<br />
continence physiotherapy review,<br />
please speak to your <strong>MSWA</strong> Nurse<br />
or Physiotherapist for a referral.<br />
MARGARITA RUIZ MARTINEZ<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> PHYSIOTHERAPIST<br />
23
<strong>MSWA</strong> CLIENT<br />
SUMMER RULES<br />
<strong>Summer</strong> can be a tough time for people living with multiple sclerosis. Many people with<br />
MS find that when the body heats up they feel weaker and more fatigued. Strangely, I don’t<br />
like the very cold weather either. I have poor circulation and when it gets cold my feet feel<br />
freezing and it’s hard to warm them up. Consequently, I need to use my air conditioner (and<br />
Ugg boots!) to keep my house at a comfortable liveable temperature.<br />
During this summer, I went in my<br />
electric wheelchair down to the river<br />
as often as I could. I enjoy watching<br />
the black swans and getting some<br />
fresh air. I also have a school friend<br />
down there who operates a surf cat<br />
business. A million years ago I was<br />
at high school with Andrew, who<br />
reminisces we “ran the school”.<br />
Although Andrew and I were both<br />
prefects I think the school could<br />
have managed perfectly well to run<br />
itself without us!<br />
This summer also I was looking<br />
forward to my daughter Eleni and<br />
little grandson Henry coming over<br />
from Queensland for a visit in<br />
January. Unfortunately, a new case of<br />
COVID was identified in Queensland<br />
not long before they were due, and<br />
the WA government re-instated the<br />
hard border policy, which meant they<br />
had to cancel their trip. At least we<br />
have regular video chats and Henry<br />
now calls me “nanna” all the time. His<br />
other favourite word is ‘bin’. He has a<br />
fascination with wheelie bins. Eleni<br />
told me that just before Christmas<br />
their rubbish truck driver, seeing<br />
Henry watching the collection every<br />
week and noticing his excitement,<br />
gave him a toy wheelie bin of his own<br />
to play with. Eleni and Henry’s father<br />
Will bought Henry a little toy rubbish<br />
truck for Christmas, so now he can<br />
‘tip rubbish into the truck’ whenever<br />
he likes. It is his favourite game.<br />
I was really looking forward to seeing<br />
my little family, so of course I am so<br />
disappointed that they cannot now<br />
come over to WA. Eleni is pregnant<br />
again and due in June, so I am<br />
hopeful that restrictions will ease by<br />
then so I can travel later in the year to<br />
visit them. I find travel difficult and<br />
will have to put considerable effort<br />
into finding wheelchair accessible<br />
accommodation, as Eleni’s house<br />
is unsuitable. A friend of mine has<br />
promised he will accompany me<br />
on the trip to help, so that is bliss. I<br />
just hope that the virus stays out of<br />
Queensland till then.<br />
Many people are separated from<br />
their loved ones at this time. And all<br />
know it is so hard when we cannot<br />
visit. At least we have wonderful<br />
technology these days that allows<br />
us to stay connected.<br />
Back when I was a teenager, I grew<br />
up in Albany on the south coast of<br />
WA. My sisters and I all knew we<br />
would move to Perth when we<br />
graduated from high school as<br />
there was no tertiary education<br />
available in Albany. Now of course I<br />
can feel how my parents must have<br />
had to swallow their grief as one<br />
after another of their four daughters<br />
packed up and left home. Mind you,<br />
my father moved all the way from<br />
Greece to Melbourne when he was<br />
18 years old, and both my parents<br />
moved away from their families<br />
in Melbourne to Western Australia<br />
in the early sixties, so they<br />
couldn’t complain.<br />
In those days we kept in<br />
touch by writing letters<br />
and posting them!<br />
Remember letters? Hardly anyone<br />
does that any more. About once a<br />
month my mother would ring me<br />
and we would have a chat, but in<br />
those days STD phone calls were<br />
very expensive and were kept<br />
short. Some people complain about<br />
our obsession with smart phones<br />
and social media, but I love the<br />
increased connectivity it brings.<br />
I regularly keep in touch with<br />
my daughter, and my cousins in<br />
Queensland, Victoria and England<br />
by social media and we know each<br />
other better now than we ever<br />
did before.<br />
Nevertheless, there is nothing quite<br />
as lovely as seeing someone face<br />
to face. I am counting down the<br />
minutes till I can see my daughter<br />
and grandchildren later in the year.<br />
Please, fellow-Australians, stay at<br />
home and wear masks!<br />
ROS HARMAN<br />
GUEST EDITOR<br />
24
COMMUNITY SUPPORT<br />
CTLS: OUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE<br />
QUALITY CARE FOR CLIENTS AND SUPPORT<br />
FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKERS<br />
As part of our commitment to high quality care and services at <strong>MSWA</strong>, we have created a<br />
brand new role within the Community Support team. The Community Team Leader (CTL)<br />
position has been rolled out across the metropolitan area over the past few months to work<br />
closely with our 300 plus dedicated Community Support Workers (CSWs).<br />
Yes, it is another acronym to<br />
remember! But what it boils down<br />
to is improving the way our teams<br />
work and the way they are able<br />
to deliver service and support in<br />
your home.<br />
To ensure quality care in the<br />
community is achieved, <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
recognises that it is essential to<br />
support all staff, particularly those<br />
who are working autonomously<br />
in the community. This dynamic,<br />
proactive new team will focus<br />
on mentoring, supervision, and<br />
training of all the CSWs to meet<br />
individual Client needs. The team<br />
will have a presence both in Clients’<br />
homes as well as in the community,<br />
focused on supporting our staff.<br />
A key component to the delivery<br />
of quality services is the ability to<br />
provide opportunities for new and<br />
existing staff of learning through<br />
buddy shifts (two or more care<br />
support workers, working together<br />
to learn and observe). Buddy shifts<br />
not only ensure standards of care<br />
by new staff are met, they also allow<br />
staff to work with other Clients,<br />
providing relief support during<br />
periods of illness or holidays taken<br />
by our CSWs. This approach ensures<br />
all that all our Client needs are met.<br />
The Rostering Coordination team<br />
will continue to oversee the<br />
bookings of services for all our<br />
Clients. They will work closely with<br />
the CTLs as well as the Client Liaison<br />
Coordinators, to ensure services are<br />
provided and CSW are matched to<br />
our Clients. We are embedding a<br />
culture of enhanced collaboration,<br />
teamwork and partnership to<br />
support the individualised needs of<br />
all our Clients.<br />
We have already received<br />
positive feedback regarding<br />
the CTL role from the Care<br />
Support Workers who<br />
have commented on the<br />
wonderful support, and<br />
response to regular<br />
meetings has also<br />
generated lots of feedback.<br />
VICTORIA AMEY<br />
COMMUNITY SUPPORT<br />
MANAGER<br />
25
COUNSELLING, PEER SUPPORT & HEALTH EDUCATION<br />
NEWLY DIAGNOSED<br />
INFORMATION EVENING<br />
Our Newly Diagnosed (MS) information evening made a comeback last year at two locations,<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> Belmont and <strong>MSWA</strong> Rockingham. Our newly diagnosed Clients were invited to bring<br />
their family or support person for an informal opportunity to meet with others in a similar<br />
situation and the chance to ask our experienced staff any questions.<br />
Our Rockingham Centre had 14<br />
people in attendance, as well as six<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> staff: Jill Crombie (Senior<br />
Neurological Liaison Nurse), Janice<br />
Petrovic (Counsellor), Sharon<br />
Mundy (Senior Physiotherapist),<br />
Misty Reinkowsky (Dietitian), Ann<br />
Hall (Neurological Liaison Nurse)<br />
and Dajana Tesevic (Counsellor &<br />
Coordinator of Health Education<br />
and Peer Support).<br />
The focus of the information<br />
evening is to create a safe place for<br />
Clients and their support persons,<br />
to listen to others and share<br />
experiences of living with MS. The<br />
group also provides a place to seek<br />
support from those with a lived<br />
understanding of MS, and <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
staff members. Feedback from<br />
attendees at this recent session, was<br />
that the group was a way for them<br />
to gain new information about MS,<br />
listen to others’ experiences and to<br />
participate in the support system.<br />
Our Peer Volunteers, Vanessa<br />
Baker and Warren Henry, were in<br />
attendance to share their personal<br />
stories of being diagnosed with MS<br />
and their journey so far. They spoke<br />
about how they manage their<br />
symptoms, how they maintain their<br />
wellbeing and positive outlook on<br />
life with MS over the years.<br />
Feedback from attendees included:<br />
“I have learned strategies for<br />
moving forward and placing<br />
importance of my own journey.”<br />
“I found it very useful having peer<br />
support people living with MS<br />
to come and speak to us, as it<br />
puts things into perspective and<br />
reassures you are not alone.”<br />
“The content was most beneficial<br />
for my sister to have a better<br />
understanding of MS. My sister now<br />
feels comfortable knowing that<br />
there is a lot of support for me and<br />
others who are living with MS.”<br />
With very positive feedback<br />
from the groups, we will<br />
be holding more Newly<br />
Diagnosed information<br />
evenings in <strong>2021</strong>, so keep<br />
an eye out on our <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
website under Programs,<br />
Workshops & Events.<br />
Alternatively, if you are interested<br />
in attending or would<br />
like to<br />
provide any feedback, please phone<br />
Dajana Tesevic on 9365 4858 or<br />
email dajana.tesevic@mswa.org.au<br />
DAJANA TESEVIC<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> COUNSELLOR/<br />
COORDINATOR OF HEALTH<br />
EDUCATION & PEER SUPPORT<br />
26
BRAND, MARKETING & SALES<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> FAMILY FUN DAY<br />
In November we welcomed over 50 families to our first <strong>MSWA</strong> Family Fun Day at Caversham<br />
Wildlife Park. It was the perfect venue. We fed the kangaroos, cuddled the wombats, and got<br />
up close and personal with the koalas, reptiles and other animals.<br />
As it warmed up, we retreated to<br />
the shaded area for refreshments<br />
while the kids lined up for face<br />
painting and made some giant<br />
bubbles. It was not long before they<br />
were moving off again to catch<br />
the penguin feeding and the farm<br />
show. Then it was time for lunch,<br />
which kept the kids quiet for a little<br />
while, and one last round of the<br />
wildlife park before home time.<br />
The Family Fun Day was made<br />
possible by the children and<br />
families who participated in the MS<br />
Readathon in August last year. The<br />
5,000 children who participated<br />
raised over $300,000 to help<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> fund initiatives that support<br />
children of families living with a<br />
neurological condition in WA.<br />
It was great to meet all the lovely<br />
families who came along and<br />
was very rewarding for my sevenyear-old<br />
to see the result of her<br />
MS Readathon fundraising efforts.<br />
Everyone appeared to enjoy<br />
themselves and we look forward to<br />
welcoming you all again to the next<br />
one. We are already planning the<br />
next event, so stay tuned.<br />
If you and your children or<br />
grandchildren would like to take<br />
part in our future events, email me<br />
at family.events@mswa.org.au<br />
You can also register your interest<br />
to get involved in the <strong>2021</strong> MS<br />
Readathon – join the fundraising<br />
fun and help us make more <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
Family Fun Days possible!<br />
SHELLY THOMPSON<br />
GIVING MANAGER<br />
27
VOLUNTEERING, CAMPS & RECREATION<br />
VOLUNTEER<br />
AND CAMPS<br />
NEWS<br />
DAWN BURKE<br />
COORDINATOR OF VOLUNTEERS<br />
AND CAMPS<br />
Hello and welcome to <strong>2021</strong>, where we start afresh and go into the year full steam ahead.<br />
I hope you all enjoyed your well-earned break and are starting to get into the swing of<br />
things again.<br />
I took my yearly pilgrimage to<br />
Hamelin Bay (near Augusta) with<br />
my daughter and four of my little<br />
grandies in tow. Such a beautiful<br />
spot. If you haven’t been before it<br />
is well renowned for the stingrays<br />
that cruise up and down along the<br />
water’s edge waiting to be fed fish<br />
offcuts by those who dive and fish<br />
daily. People take joy and wonder in<br />
feeding them and the size they are.<br />
It is always extremely important for<br />
me to welcome you all back and<br />
thank you for last year’s volunteering<br />
efforts and send out my gratitude<br />
for the future volunteering efforts<br />
in <strong>2021</strong>. I really rejoice in our fortune<br />
in having so many dedicated and<br />
long-serving volunteers. You are<br />
truly appreciated. For those who<br />
are joining us for the first time this<br />
year, I send out a big welcome and<br />
offer you our thanks for joining the<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> team.<br />
Hopefully, all regular celebrations<br />
will be running smoothly again<br />
this year and we may be able to<br />
host you at our Annual Volunteers’<br />
Luncheon currently planned for May.<br />
Details will follow shortly, and if it is<br />
like all our previous luncheons, the<br />
company, atmosphere, and food<br />
will be truly amazing.<br />
In December, I attended a<br />
Volunteering Manager Network<br />
meeting which was held at the<br />
new Kings Park volunteer hub call<br />
Wanju Mar (‘welcome hand’). It<br />
was a beautiful new building with<br />
an outdoor area and BBQs for<br />
volunteers to sit and come together.<br />
It is always lovely to see where other<br />
volunteers go and see what they<br />
do. I had not been to Kings Park<br />
for some time and it was nice to<br />
have the awesome view of our city<br />
laying out before me. When it cools<br />
down a bit, I would suggest a visit to<br />
check out our beautiful city that is<br />
the heart of WA.<br />
Depending on how the next few<br />
months pan out, Camps will still<br />
be running. Hopefully I will have a<br />
better idea of dates for the <strong>2021</strong>/22<br />
camps and retreats for our Clients<br />
and carers. Watch this space for<br />
dates as they arise.<br />
It is always so wonderful<br />
talking to you all, please<br />
take care in this precarious<br />
environment of ours and<br />
be safe in all you do.<br />
If you have any questions, ideas<br />
or feedback, please email me<br />
dawn.burke@mswa.org.au as all<br />
or any suggestions are welcomed<br />
and valued.<br />
That’s it from me for now.<br />
Until next time.<br />
28
ACCOMMODATION & OUTREACH<br />
MEN’S OUTREACH IN ROCKINGHAM<br />
In 2020, <strong>MSWA</strong> introduced a Men’s Outreach Group, held every Wednesday morning at the<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> Rockingham Services Centre.<br />
Nicola Ryan, Senior Outreach<br />
Coordinator, explains that the group<br />
was started after the COVID-19<br />
lockdown last year.<br />
“We needed to make the existing<br />
Friday group smaller due to the<br />
limited space for social distancing,”<br />
says Nicola. “Some of our male<br />
Clients were already attending<br />
physiotherapy on a Wednesday so<br />
the opportunity arose to schedule<br />
a men’s Outreach group on the<br />
same morning.<br />
“It’s been fantastic to see how the<br />
men have formed friendships. They<br />
have been able to reach out to other<br />
men who are in a similar situation,<br />
with the support of the friendly<br />
Outreach staff.”<br />
David Perry, an <strong>MSWA</strong> Client who<br />
was diagnosed with MS in 2012,<br />
says, “It took me a while to feel ready<br />
to sign up for the Outreach group.<br />
What helped me was coming<br />
into the Rockingham Centre for<br />
physio and getting to know the<br />
guys slowly that way. Once I joined<br />
the group, everyone was so great.<br />
We don’t load each other with<br />
problems. It feels normal to chat or<br />
joke, knowing that everyone is in a<br />
similar situation.”<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> runs many different<br />
Outreach groups and welcomes<br />
all Clients to attend. To enquire<br />
about joining this group or<br />
your local group, please phone<br />
Nicola Ryan on 9365 4830, or email<br />
nicola.ryan@mswa.org.au<br />
“It’s good to get together with<br />
people in a similar situation.<br />
We can all relate so well.” – David<br />
“On Wednesdays it’s boys’ day at<br />
Outreach. It’s good to meet up and<br />
share stories.” – Philip<br />
“I come for physio then stay for<br />
lunch with the Outreach crew.” –<br />
Charles<br />
“I’m younger than these guys,<br />
but we’re alike in other ways.<br />
And it’s a great feed!” - David<br />
“We drink tea and coffee. And<br />
there’s craft, board games and<br />
conversation.” – Graham<br />
“It’s a great crowd at<br />
Outreach.” – Peter<br />
29
ACCOMMODATION & OUTREACH<br />
CHRISTMAS AT TREENDALE GARDENS<br />
Whilst we have been unable to have large gatherings at Treendale Gardens due to government<br />
restrictions, we did our best to celebrate in December, including a small Christmas party and<br />
other holiday activities. ‘Pin the beard on Santa’ was very popular!<br />
All the residents and respite Clients,<br />
as well as some family members,<br />
staff and volunteers, attended our<br />
annual pre-Christmas luncheon,<br />
with special guests from Perth –<br />
Marcus Stafford and Sue Shapland.<br />
Whilst our accommodation<br />
facility is currently at capacity,<br />
we often have vacancies in our<br />
homely respite facility as well as<br />
our wonderful 3-bedroom holiday<br />
unit. If you would like to hear<br />
more please contact me or<br />
Linda Kidd on 9725 9994 or email us<br />
at treendale@mswa.org.au<br />
PAULA KENNEDY<br />
COORDINATOR – SUPPORT<br />
ACCOMMODATION, TREENDALE<br />
CHRISTMAS AT FERN RIVER<br />
Whilst it seems so long ago, we would like to share our Christmas event with you. It was a<br />
smaller affair than usual, but residents, families, and staff enjoyed a well-deserved Christmas<br />
celebration that finished off a very challenging 2020. Following the months of limited<br />
socialisation, social distancing and frequent monitoring of the COVID-19 status, the chance<br />
to relax and enjoy each other’s company for the evening was welcomed by all who attended.<br />
Our Christmas lights were enjoyed<br />
by the entire Wilson neighbourhood,<br />
with passers-by slowing down<br />
to look at the colourful display.<br />
The evening included a variety of<br />
delicious foods and treats, light<br />
refreshments, the traditional raffle<br />
and many prizes. The raffle raised<br />
just over $195 and will be spent on<br />
items that will benefit our residents.<br />
The highlight of the evening was<br />
the photo ‘big screen’ display of<br />
the residents and staff giving their<br />
own personal Christmas wishes in<br />
English and their native languages.<br />
The photos showcased the<br />
residents’ participation in various<br />
activities throughout the year,<br />
with some very funny moments<br />
captured on film, bringing laughter<br />
and tears to family and staff.<br />
Fern River Manager Danuta<br />
Figurska would like to thank the<br />
staff and residents who participated<br />
in, and contributed to, the evening<br />
which was a great success. Everyone<br />
is looking forward to Christmas <strong>2021</strong><br />
and we are all wondering what<br />
we will be planning to take the<br />
celebrations to the next level!<br />
DANUTA FIGURSKA<br />
MANAGER –<br />
ACCOMMODATION, FERN RIVER<br />
30
TAKE A BREAK<br />
IN THE SOUTH<br />
WEST.<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> TREENDALE IS NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
Whether you or a loved one need a break from daily routine, we have a range of rooms<br />
with 24-hour care at <strong>MSWA</strong> Treendale Gardens Respite for a much-needed break.<br />
Located next to the respite facility is a wonderfully appointed family holiday unit, where<br />
families can get away from regular routines whilst accessing support for their loved ones.<br />
To find out more please contact us on 9725 9994 or treendale@mswa.org.au
BRAND, MARKETING & SALES<br />
WHAT’S ON<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> Client Sharon Murray, with<br />
her two sons David and Mathew,<br />
and their friend Trent<br />
ALBANY<br />
SWIM<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> ALBANY SWIM<br />
15 May <strong>2021</strong><br />
We're very excited to let you know<br />
that the annual <strong>MSWA</strong> Albany Swim<br />
is back for <strong>2021</strong> and is coming up<br />
on Saturday, 15 May at the Albany<br />
Leisure and Aquatic Centre. As you<br />
may know, the <strong>MSWA</strong> Albany Swim<br />
is an amateur swimming event<br />
that encourages teams to swim the<br />
most laps in a set 8-hour period. It's<br />
a fantastic, family-friendly event<br />
that is suitable for swimmers of<br />
all ages and experience levels.<br />
However, there's more than just<br />
swimming on the day, with plenty<br />
of competitions, activities and<br />
games – including the very popular,<br />
annual Inflatable Race!<br />
For more information, or to sign<br />
up, just visit the <strong>MSWA</strong> Albany<br />
Swim website: mswaswim.org.au<br />
STEP UP FOR <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
20 June <strong>2021</strong><br />
Step Up for <strong>MSWA</strong> challenges<br />
you to climb 1,103 steps to the top<br />
of Perth’s tallest building – once,<br />
twice, or even multiple times (new<br />
for <strong>2021</strong>!).<br />
The big event takes place on Sunday<br />
20 June, and there is even a special<br />
Mini Climb challenge (435 stairs)<br />
designed exclusively for children<br />
(aged 6 and over).<br />
Join us at Central Park this June<br />
and challenge yourself to reach<br />
new heights, whilst making a real<br />
difference for people living with all<br />
neurological conditions.<br />
Find out more at:<br />
stepupformswa.org.au<br />
CENTRAL PARK PLUNGE<br />
14 November <strong>2021</strong><br />
Are you ready to take the plunge<br />
with #Team<strong>MSWA</strong> this November?<br />
The Central Park Plunge offers<br />
a unique opportunity to abseil<br />
220 metres down Perth’s tallest<br />
building, Central Park Perth, while<br />
making a real difference to the<br />
thousands of people living with<br />
all neurological conditions here in<br />
Western Australia.<br />
It’s a great opportunity to get<br />
together with family and friends<br />
to conquer a once-in-a-lifetime<br />
challenge. With 48 plunge spots<br />
available on Sunday, 14 November,<br />
we’d love you to join our team!<br />
For more information, or to<br />
sign up, get in touch with the<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong> Events team today –<br />
events@mswa.org.au or 6454 3131.<br />
32
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE<br />
Did you know that since the<br />
introduction of Containers for<br />
Change in October, over 168,427,763<br />
containers have been returned in<br />
WA? This is simply amazing – and<br />
what better time to add to this<br />
number! Let’s collect and return<br />
our own containers and make a<br />
difference for <strong>MSWA</strong>.<br />
To find your closest location<br />
and learn which containers are<br />
eligible for return, check out the<br />
Containers for Change website:<br />
containersforchange.com.au/wa/<br />
Simply select ‘<strong>MSWA</strong>’ by<br />
scanning the barcode below,<br />
or enter our scheme ID:<br />
C10268744.<br />
The funds will come straight<br />
through to us, ready to start<br />
making a real difference to<br />
people living with neurological<br />
conditions here in WA.<br />
33
ACCOMMODATION & OUTREACH<br />
OUTREACH NEWS<br />
Small Christmas celebrations were held at our Outreach centres during December 2020.<br />
The Albany Outreach enjoyed a<br />
superb Christmas morning tea<br />
with Caroline Clarke-Smith at the<br />
helm. It was a great turnout on<br />
the day with many laughs shared<br />
around the tables.<br />
The Beechboro Outreach celebrated<br />
Christmas by holding a Monday<br />
(Eastside) party and Friday<br />
(Northside) party, with many<br />
dressing up for the occasion. Father<br />
Christmas even paid a visit on both<br />
days, thanks to the Coordinator<br />
Chrystal for stepping into his shoes!<br />
For many years these two groups<br />
have visited local restaurants for their<br />
Christmas celebratory lunch and this<br />
year the cook Brenda ‘brought the<br />
restaurant to them’. The menu was<br />
a traditional hot Christmas lunch.<br />
In-home Christmas parties are<br />
going to be remembered with fond<br />
memories for a long time to come.<br />
Bunbury was the place to be on 16<br />
December, where the atmosphere<br />
was buzzing with the sounds of<br />
Mr and Mrs Claus singing their<br />
hearts out to the group. The<br />
special Christmas morning tea<br />
was a delight, while the singing of<br />
Christmas carols was also a great<br />
celebration of the day.<br />
Rockingham ‘rocked’ the week<br />
away having three separate parties<br />
for their groups. The Physio team<br />
joined forces with the Outreach<br />
staff to create a morning of party<br />
games while Clients were doing<br />
their exercises. The highlight<br />
was the amazing lunch provided<br />
by Rosemary. Many said this was<br />
the best Christmas lunch they had<br />
ever had!<br />
Wilson Outreach had a week of<br />
small parties that proved to be heaps<br />
of fun for everyone who attended.<br />
Many games were organised<br />
throughout the week, with many<br />
Clients taking home a small gift.<br />
Games included Christmas bingo<br />
and pass-the-parcel. Lunch was a<br />
buffet style each day, cooked and<br />
prepared by Justine and her everwilling<br />
volunteers.<br />
Our Outreach Clients are looking<br />
forward to the various events at<br />
all our Centres throughout <strong>2021</strong>.<br />
There is no doubt that the <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
staff in all the Centres will continue<br />
to provide another great year<br />
of creative activities for the<br />
Outreach groups.<br />
NICOLA RYAN<br />
SENIOR OUTREACH<br />
COORDINATOR<br />
34
SUGGESTIONS, COMPLAINTS<br />
AND COMPLIMENTS<br />
We want to hear from you. Your feedback helps us to understand what is working well and<br />
where we can improve.<br />
You can raise a concern or<br />
acknowledge the supports an <strong>MSWA</strong><br />
staff member has provided by:<br />
/ Talking to the coordinator of<br />
your services<br />
/ Telephoning the Complaints<br />
Liaison and Compliance<br />
Coordinator, Michelle John,<br />
on 6454 3146.<br />
/ Emailing<br />
feedback@mswa.org.au<br />
/ Writing to Quality and<br />
Compliance; Locked Bag 2,<br />
BENTLEY DC 6983.<br />
Please tell us:<br />
/ What happened<br />
/ When it happened<br />
/ Who was involved<br />
/ What you would like to see<br />
occur as a result of sharing your<br />
feedback<br />
All feedback is reviewed, and<br />
complaints investigated in a timely<br />
manner with the team responsible<br />
for the service.<br />
Our goal is to achieve a positive<br />
outcome for all people involved<br />
and improve the quality of the care<br />
and services provided. You will be<br />
included in the process and the<br />
outcomes shared with you.<br />
Please note, you have the right to<br />
have support from an advocate at<br />
any point in a complaint process.<br />
The Complaints Liaison and<br />
Compliance Coordinator can help<br />
you to access an advocacy service<br />
if you wish.<br />
35
Whatever your<br />
neurological condition,<br />
whatever your needs,<br />
our team of nurses, counsellors,<br />
speech pathologists,<br />
care support workers,<br />
occupational therapists<br />
and more will be right<br />
there by your side.<br />
Get your best from the<br />
NDIS at mswa.org.au<br />
<strong>MSWA</strong>.ORG.AU