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Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
Women’s and Children’s Health Network
2016-2019
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 2
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 3
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 4
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.
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 5
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.
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2015-2019 Page 6
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 7
Issue Action/Strategy Lead Timeframe Measurable
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 8
Issue Action/Strategy Lead Timeframe Measurable
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 9
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.
Issue Action/Strategy Lead Timeframe Measurable
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 10
Outcome 3: Rights Protection, Justice and Legislation
People with disability have their rights upheld, promoted and protected.
Issue Action/Strategy Lead Timeframe Measurable
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 11
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.
Issue Action/Strategy Lead Timeframe Measurable
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 12
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.
Issue Action/Strategy Lead Timeframe Measurable
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2016-2019 Page 13
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
WCHN Disability Access and Inclusion Plan | 2015-2019 Page 14
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