WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan · WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019...

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

Women’s and Children’s Health Network

2016-2019

WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019

Message from the Chief Executive Officer

I am pleased to present the Women’s and Children’s

Health Network’s (WCHN) Disability Access and

Inclusion Plan 2016-2019.

As part of the response to the review in South Australia of services

for people with a disability, the report Strong Voices: A blueprint to

Enhance Life and Claim the Rights of People with Disability in SA

(2012-2020) recommended a range of changes and improvements

to support people with a disability.

Through this plan the WCHN will continue to uphold the rights of people living with

disability to access the services and programs we deliver, and to foster a work

environment which is genuinely inclusive.

WCHN is committed to ensuring people with disabilities, their families and carers have full

and equitable access to health services, resources, decision making, information and

facilities in the public health system.

Importantly, this plan was developed in partnership between WCHN staff and consumers

by way of the Disability Access and Inclusion Working Group, the WCHN crowdsourcing

site and the members of our Consumer and Community Partnering Council. Our

consumers ensured that the language used in the document was inclusive and non-

discriminatory, that there was a focus on the protection of rights and that practical

strategies were embedded to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are

routinely considered as part of person and family centered care.

The WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan identifies the actions and participation

required to ensure an equity based approach to the provision of programs, services and

facilities. WCHN is committed to creating an inclusive working environment for people

affected by disability and we recognise that full inclusion of people with a disability in our

health services and the community will require a shift in culture and attitudes.

The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2016-2019 builds on the substantial work

undertaken across all areas of SA Health through the Disability Action Plans and I look

forward to further progress in the equitable access and inclusion of people with

disabilities in our health system.

Naomi Dwyer

Chief Executive Officer


Definition of Disability

Under Section 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, disability, in relation to a

person, means:

(a) total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; or

(b) total or partial loss of a part of the body; or

(c) the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness; or

(d) the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness; or

(e) the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; or

(f) a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person

without the disorder or malfunction; or

(g) a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of

reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour;

and includes a disability that:

(h) presently exists; or

(i) previously existed but no longer exists; or

(j) may exist in the future (including because of a genetic predisposition to that

disability); or

(k) is imputed to a person.

United Nations Convention on the rights of people with disability

http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml

http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml


National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS)

Under Section 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, disability, in relation to a

person, means:

The National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS) drive

the implementation of safety and quality systems and improve the quality of

health care in Australia. The key accreditation program for health services is

the Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program (EQuIPNational) of the

Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and incorporates the

NSQHS standards. Relevant EQuIPNational criteria are as follows:

2.1 Establishing governance structures to

facilitate partnership with consumers and/or

carers

11.6 Establishing the needs of the community in

order to meet legislative requirements, inform

the delivery of services and assess whether

those needs are met.

2.2 Implementing policies, procedures and/or

protocols for partnering with patients, carers

and consumers in:

• strategic and operational/services

planning

• decision making about safety and

quality initiatives

• quality improvement activities

13.4 Meeting and ensuring compliance with:

• legislation

• jurisdictional policy / regulations

• organisational policy / guidelines for

recruitment, selection and appointment in a

healthcare setting.

2.4 Consulting consumers on patient

information distributed by the organisation

11.7 Ensuring that diverse populations are provided

with care and services that meet their needs.

2.5 Partnering with consumers and/or carers to

design the way care is delivered to better

meet patient needs and preferences

12.3 Care planning and delivery based upon

assessment of consumer / patient needs.

2.6 Implementing training for clinical leaders,

senior management and the workforce on

the value of and ways to facilitate consumer

engagement and how to create and sustain

partnerships

12.10 Implementing systems to provide continuing

care to consumers / patients with ongoing

needs or who require care by multiple service

providers as inpatients and/or outpatients.

2.9 Consumers and/or carers participating in the

evaluation of patient feedback data and

development of action plans

13.12 Implementing strategies to create a workplace

culture that fosters and encourages staff.

11.1 Informing consumers / patients and the

community about services accessible

through the organisation.

13.13 Facilitating access to an effective system to

provide support to the workforce.

11.3 Meeting the needs of consumers / patients

and the community for admission / entry.

15.3 Establishing processes of governance that

comply with relevant legislation.

11.4 Demonstrating that the consent process is

managed through systems of governance

which are consistent with organisational,

jurisdictional and legislative requirements.

15.17 Ensuring that physical access to the

organisation’s facilities meets the identified

needs of the community.


Outcomes

Most people take the ability to go about daily life for granted. People with disability have

the right to access and participate in all aspects of our society, including using

mainstream services and programs. Social inclusion is fundamental to quality of life and

critical to achieving positive life outcomes across all domains.

The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan demonstrates the Women’s and Children’s

Health Network’s recognition of the importance of including and being accessible to

everyone, having a welcoming attitude and employing well informed staff who are aware

of the needs of people with disability.

The South Australian Disability Access and Inclusion Plan strategy specifies the following

outcome areas:

Evaluation and Reporting

Performance against the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan will be monitored at a

Divisional level and reported annually to the Operational Executive.

1

Inclusive & accessible

communities

People with disability live

in accessible and well-

designed communities

with opportunity for full

inclusions in social,

economic, sporting and

cultural life.

2

Economic security

and employment

People with disability, their

families and carers have

economic security,

enabling them to plan for

the future and exercise

choice and control over

their lives.

3

Rights protection,

justice and legislation

People with disability have

their rights promoted,

upheld and protected.

4

Personal and

community support

People with disability, their

families and carers have

access to a range of

supports to assist them to

live independently and

actively engage in their

communities.

5

Learning and skills

People with disability

achieve their full potential

through their participation

in an inclusive high quality

education system that is

responsive to their needs.

6

Health and wellbeing

People with disability

attain highest possible

health and wellbeing

outcomes throughout their

lives.


Outcome 1: Inclusive and Accessible Communities

People with disability live in accessible and well-designed communities with opportunity for full inclusion in social, economic sporting and cultural life.

Issue Action/Strategy Lead Timeframe Measurable

Target

Status Risk

1.1 WCHN policies and procedures consider the

needs of people with disability.

NSQHS: 2.2

WCHN policies and procedures, Divisional operational and

Safety & Quality Plans are inclusive of requirements to meet

the rights and needs of people with disability. The actions of

the Disability Access & Inclusion Plans are embedded in

Divisional Safety and Quality and Operational plans.

Director Clinical

Excellence

Divisional Directors,

WABS, Paediatric

Surgery & Paediatric

Medicine

September

2016

Ongoing

Dedicated section

in procedure

template to

demonstrate

consideration of

disability.

Low

1.2 Publications developed by WCHN regarding

services, facilities, customer feedback and

health information are in an appropriate

format to meet the needs of people with

disability.

NSQHS: 2.2

WCHN templates for publications to include the statement

“This document can be made available in alternative formats

on request”.

Senior

Communications

Advisor, Media and

Communications

September

2016

Statement

included in

templates.

Low

Ensure that WCHN information is made available in

alternative formats for people with disability.

Update templates for the intranet

Senior

Communications

Advisor, Media and

Communications

September

2016

Information is

made available in

alternative formats

for people with

disability as

required.

Low

1.3 Buildings and facilities are physically

accessible to people with disability.

NSQHS: 15.17

Ensure all newly acquired/developed facilities are compliant

with Disability legislation.

Ensure adequate consideration is given to the planning and

development of facilities at the new WCH that cater for the

needs of children and adults with disability, and in

consultation with consumers.

Manager, Facilities,

Planning and

Management

Ongoing

2018

subject to

nWCH

approval

Assessment of

compliance is

embedded part of

Facilities Planning

& Management

process of building

assessment and

upgrades.

Involvement of

consumers in new

Moderate



Target

Status Risk

WCH discussions

Investigate potential for disabled toilet/suitable change space

in the outpatient area

Manager, Facilities,

Planning and

Management

2017 People with

disability have

access to

appropriate

facilities

High

1.4

Aids and equipment are available to

appropriately deliver services to people with

disability

NSQHS 12.3

Identify gaps where additional equipment and facilities are

required to meet needs of people with disability (e.g.

appropriate beds, weigh areas, lifters in outpatients,

toilet/changing facilities) and develop corresponding action

plan to procure equipment as required.

Nursing Director

Disability and

Complex Care

Dec 2016 People with

disability have

access to

appropriate

equipment where

possible.

High

Review elective admission pack to ensure patients are

provided with the opportunity to indicate special

requirements.

Progress:

Elective Admission pack includes a Health and Needs

Questionnaire allowing parents to identify children’s special

needs, followed by phone consultation with parents,

completion of Complex Health Care Needs profile &

discussion with staff pre-admission.

Where possible, side rooms are offered to children with

complex needs and equipment, and ‘quiet room’ is available

in DOSA.

Nursing Director,

Elective Pre-

Admission

Coordinator

Completed Staff are aware of

needs of children

with disability prior

to admission for

elective surgery.

Needs of children

disability have

access to

appropriate

facilities.

Medium

1.5 Information is published/ available regarding

accessibility of WCHN buildings, services,

parking and facilities for people with

disability.

NSQHS: 11.1, 15.17

Review and update information on the internet and intranet

about access to facilities (i.e. maps, videos regarding

entrances, car parking, toilets), including review of previously

developed Access brochure. Include fact sheet regarding

information in alternative formats.

Complex Care

Coordination Unit

CPC, Consumer &

Community

Engagement

Manager, Senior

Dec 2016 Information is

available, easily

accessible and

clearly

communicated on

the WCHN internet

Medium



Target

Status Risk

Communications

Advisor, Media and

Communication.

and intranet.

1.6 Consumers with complex needs and

frequent, multiple appointments are

supported with scheduling.

Develop a checklist/procedure that guides outpatient

departments when booking appointments for people with

disability (ie regarding transport needs, use of access cabs

outside of peak times, scheduling multiple appointments on

the same day to minimise visits to WCHN).

Outpatient CSC,

Complex Care

Coordination Unit

CPC, Consumer &

Community

Engagement

Manager

Dec 2016 Consumers

appointment

needs are more

effectively

managed

High

1.7 Evacuation Procedures and emergency

plans include provision for people with a

wide range of disabilities.

Review evacuation procedures, emergency plans and

associated training material to ensure the requirements of

people with a range of disabilities are adequately addressed.

Emergency

Management

Coordinator

Oct 2016 Clear evacuation

and emergency

plans are in place

for people with

disability.

High


Outcome 2: Economic Security and Employment

People with disability, their families and carers have economic security, enabling them to plan for the future and exercise choice and control over their lives.


Target

Status Risk

2.1 Ensure HR policies and procedures support

accessibility and inclusion

Review HR policies/procedures associated with disability,

access and inclusion

Executive Director,

People and Culture

Dec 2016 WCHN policies

and procedures

support access

and inclusion for

people with

disabilities and

these are

communicated to

staff

Low

2.2 Staff and applicants with disability are

supported in the workplace according to

disability legislation/SA Health Policy

NSQHS: 13.12, 13.13

Favourable consideration is given to current staff and

applicants with a disability who require necessary

supports/workplace modifications to enable effective

performance of work duties.

Staff are aware, where necessary, of the requirements of

colleagues who present with a disability or who are returning

to work following an injury/illness.

Executive Director,

People and Culture

Ongoing,

during

recruitment

process.

Ongoing, in

consultatio

n with

Worker

Health and

Safety on

return to

work.

Workplace

modifications

(including

adjustments and

accommodation)

required by staff

are undertaken in

a reasonable

timeframe.

Relevant staff are

provided with

information about

the requirements

of colleagues with

a disability to

assist with return

to work

High


Outcome 3: Rights Protection, Justice and Legislation

People with disability have their rights upheld, promoted and protected.


Target

Status Risk

3.1 WCHN will provide the opportunity for

people with disability to make complaints

and compliments.

NSQHS: 2.4, 2.5

Identify alternate ways in which feedback can be provided by

people with disability or their advocates particularly those

who frequently utilise WCHN services.

.

Consumer Feedback

Coordinator, Nursing

Director Disability &

Complex Care,

Consumer &

Community

Engagement

Manager

September

2016

Flexible

mechanisms to

provide feedback,

eg consumer

focus groups

Medium

Review complaints and compliments received related to

disability access and inclusion, identify any trends or

recurring issues and develop appropriate strategies to

address.

Develop a way in which de-identified compliments,

complaints and resolutions can be made accessible

Consumer Feedback

Coordinator, Nursing

Director Disability &

Complex Care,

Consumer &

Community

Engagement

Manager

September

2016

Compliment and

complaint data

reported bi-

annually to Clinical

Safety and Quality

Committee.

Medium

3.2 Enhance opportunities for people with a

disability to play an active role in decision

making through best practice community

engagement and participation processes.

Strengthen WCHNs consultation processes to increase

participation of people with disability in decision making.

Consumer &

Community

Engagement

Manager, Consumer

& Community

Partnership Council

Ongoing People with

disability and/or

their carers are

involved in

consumer

engagement

activities

Low


Outcome 4: Personal and Community Support

People with disability, their families and carers have access to a range of supports to assist them to live independently and actively engage in their communities.


Target

Status Risk

4.1 WCHN pages on the website meet the

requirements of the World Wide Web

Consortium Web Content Accessibility

guidelines (WCAG).

NSQHS: 2.4, 2.5, 11.1

Migrate smaller WCHN websites to SA Health site for

greater WCAG compliance: Yarrow Place, Women’s Health

Service, WCHN Corporate.

Implement new design for WCH website, with more

accessible navigation and better document metadata.

Manager Web

Services, Centre for

Education and

Training .

September

2016

Completed

Websites are more

WCAG compliant

Low

4.2 Ensure that any events organised ensure

access for people with disability, including

employees of WCHN.

NSQHS: 15.17

Develop an events plan and checklist for staff to use when

planning events to include information regarding access for

people with disability. Ensure communication of events is in

accessible formats.

Senior

Communications

Advisor, Media and

Communications

September

2016

Checklist

developed and

used by staff.

WCHN planned

events are

accessible for

people with

disability

Medium

4.3 Develop and maintain positive relationships

with the National Disability Insurance

Agency (NDIA) and disability service

providers to facilitate access to services.

Staff are made aware of the operational working

arrangements with the NDIA, supported by documentation.

Regular WCHN meetings with the NDIA.

Regional Director

Allied Health,

Complex, Sub-Acute

Care

Regular

meetings,

ongoing

Regular

communication

with staff, regular

meetings with the

NDIA

Low


Outcome 5: Learning and Skills

People with disability achieve their full potential through their participation in an inclusive, high quality, education system that is responsive to their needs. People

with disability have opportunities to continue learning throughout their lives.


Target

Status Risk

5.1 WCHN staff are aware of the rights and

needs of people with disability and the

relevant policies and requirements of the

Disability Services Act and the United

Nations Convention of the Right of Persons

with Disabilities.

NSQHS: 13.4, 15.3

All staff complete online Disability Awareness Training as

part of mandatory training.

Include feature articles on disability access and inclusion in

Around Our Region twice a year.

Regional Director

Allied Health,

Complex & Sub-

Acute Care,

Divisional Directors

Regional Director

Allied Health,

Complex & Sub-

Acute Care

September

2016

September

2016

80% staff

compliance with

Disability

Awareness

Training.

Articles featuring

disability in Around

Our Region

Low

Low


Outcome 6: Health and Wellbeing

People with disability are supported to attain the highest possible health throughout their lives.

Issue Action/Strategy

Lead Timeframe Measurable

Target

Status Risk

6.2 People who have difficulty speaking,

hearing, understanding, seeing and reading

are not compromised or disadvantaged

throughout the continuum of care, including:

• involvement in care planning

• discharge planning

• obtaining information on rights and

responsibilities

• consent.

NSQHS: 2.4, 2.5, 2.6

WCHN clinical staff document in patient care records any

specific communication requirements of the

client/parent/carer.

People with disability have access to their own devices and

technology to assist with communication whilst at WCHN.

Discussion regarding ongoing care plan/discharge planning

is discussed with the client. Paediatric Patient Profile

completed where appropriate.

Special needs file completed in ED & refer item 1.4

Discharge information is made available to patients with

disability in an accessible format.

Divisional Directors

WABS, Paediatric

Surgery, Paediatric

Medicine

ongoing Client

communication

requirements

are documented

in case records.

High

6.3 Patients with communication difficulties are

able to express pain.

NSQHS: 2.6, 12.3

Determine suitable mechanisms for patients with severe

communication difficulties to express pain/discomfort.

Progress:

Pain assessment scales developed for use with children or

those unable to communicate are available on RDR

Observation chart. Pain Assessment available on the

intranet.

Regular education sessions by Acute Pain Service to all

paediatric nursing staff re assessment, management &

involvement of family.

Paediatric Acute Pain

Service CPC

Completed Tools

established and

communicated

to staff.

High


For more information

Women’s and Children’s Health Network

72 King William Road

North Adelaide SA 5006

Telephone: 8161 6000

www.wch.sa.gov.au

© Department for Health and Ageing, Government of South Australia. All rights reserved

http://www.wch.sa.gov.au/

WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan · WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019...

Documents

Transcript of WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan · WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019...