Supporting carers and people with a disability
Osborne Park Hospital (OPH) is committed to supporting people living with disability and their carers/ support people, ensuring that they have the same level of access to hospital facilities, services and information as other members of the community.
This aligns with the Disability Services Act 1993 (external site)
Disability Inclusion and Access Plan (DAIP)
OPH contributes to the NMHS Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2022-2027 (PDF). Feedback was also sought from the consumers, with wider community consultation during the drafting process. The NMHS DAIP 2022-2027 includes strategies and actions which aim to directly, positively impact disability related aspects of service delivery and access to health care.
Additional resources
The Western Australian Department of Health has developed a series of Hospital Stay Guidelines to support the State Disability Strategy 2020-2030. The following guidelines, including examples of Health Passports, are available:
The Health Consumers' Council WA (external site) and People with Disabilities (WA) (external site) have produced booklets and videos to assist people with disability to navigate the health system and prepare for a hospital admission including:
- outlining health care rights
- where to go for help
- key considerations across the entire hospital journey
Support for carers
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who lives with:
- disability
- mental illness
- chronic health condition
- terminal illness
- alcohol or other drug issues
- is frail and / or aged.
Most carers don't see themselves as carers. When someone cares for a family member or friend living with additional care needs, they may need support too.
At OPH we recognise that carers play a fundamental role in the delivery of care and we support the Western Australia Carers Charter as defined by the Carers Recognition Act 2004 (external site) which outlines how carers are to be treated and involved in delivering some services which impact them as a carer.
The Western Australian Carers Charter states:
- Carers must be treated with respect and dignity
- The role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers
- The views and needs of carers must be taken into account along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers
- Complaints made by carers in relation to services that impact them and the role of carers must be given due attention and consideration.
The peak body in Western Australia for support, services and carer representation is Carers WA (external site).
Contact
Tel: 1300 227 377
Email: info@carerswa.asn.au
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway (external site) is an Australian Government network of service providers. They will talk through what you need and help you to find local services and support.
Contact
Tel: 1800 422 737