NEWS FOR MEMBERS AND VETERANS
Pensions
I would like to advise you and your Compensation (Pensions) Officers, that a recent Federal Court decision has resulted in a change to how S137 reports are processed. For further information on the decision, click on the link below.
http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2019/1833.html
The decision only impacts Veterans' Entitlements Act (VEA) appeals and is a significant change for S31 appeals. For ESO’s who do not lodge S31 appeals (i.e. you appeal straight to the Veterans’ Review Board) you may wish to reconsider your procedures to take advantage of these changes. Previously, once an S31 appeal was rejected, the Repatriation Commission would generate a S137 report and forward a copy to the representative, the applicant and the VRB.
The changes now mean that once the Commission has decided not to intervene at S31, they now must generate a S137 report and forward it to the applicant and representative. They are obligated to hold it for 28 days (i.e. it is not passed to the VRB). This allows the applicant/representative to provide further evidence or comment. An extension can also be granted. Once the 28 days have expired and no further information was received, they will then forward it to the VRB. This allows representatives further time to gather evidence and lodge it at S31 in the hope of a successful decision, rather than have the appeal go to the VRB.
Can I please encourage you to forward this email on to your Compensation (Pension) Officers for their information.
Cathy Every
Compensation Advocate (L3) & ATDP Regional Mentor Compensation Advocacy Team Leader Legacy Club Services
47 York Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Tel: 02 92489007
Fax: 02 92995550
Web: http://www.legacy.com.au<www.legacy.com.au/sydney
Health Care
From: Peter Ring <secretary@raafansw.org.au>
Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2019 9:30
To: HVDC <hvdc@maitlandrsl.com.au>
Subject: National Centre for Veterans Healthcare
The following info is courtesy of "Soldier On"
The National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare (NCVH) is Australia’s first comprehensive care centre offering specialist physical and mental healthcare services in one location at Concord Hospital in Sydney NSW.
Their vision is “to be leaders in the provision of comprehensive care to achieve optimal physical and mental wellbeing and quality of life for our Veterans”. The NCVH will work closely with Veterans’ pre-existing service providers to aid continuity of care and assist in establishing follow-up networks for Veterans’ ongoing care over time.
They have just opened their doors to services and we hope to share what they have on offer for veterans and their families…
What is The National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare?
The National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare (NCVH), located at Concord Repatriation General Hospital, provides a comprehensive holistic approach to care for Australia’s Veterans. The NCVH will provide a range of specialist services. All Veterans will be linked with a Case Manager, with clinical care provided by a collaborative multidisciplinary team of health professionals.
What is the eligibility criteria?
To be eligible for services provided by the NCVH you must:
* Have served one day in the Australia Defence Force (ADF);
* No longer be serving in the ADF;
* Have a Medicare Card
* Be 17 years or older
* Have a GP referral
What services are available?
The NCVH is an outpatient service and will provide a range of specialist services including:
* Pain Management
* Rehabilitation Medicine
* Mental Health
* Drug Health
* Psychology
* Physiotherapy
* Exercise Physiology
* Dietetics
* Occupational Therapy
* Peer Support
* Diversional Therapy
* Social Work
How can Veterans be referred to the NCVH?
The NCVH accepts referrals from multiple sources, including self-referral and referrals from the ADF, DVA, ESO (e.g. Soldier On), GP, medical and allied health practitioners. However, a GP referral is required for Veterans to access the NCVH service. The referral form can be found on the NCVH website. http://www.ncvhconcord.com.au/<https://soldieron.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=09f8ec08613b5a4dde7f1aec7&id=4090489bfb&e=8b325fef5f>
What is the cost of the NCVH?
Veterans will be required to present their Medicare Card to access the NCVH and there is no cost associated with receiving treatment and services through the NCVH. The NCVH aims to provide high quality clinical services which is accessible to all Veterans.
Do Veterans have to have a DVA card?
No, Veterans do not need to have a DVA card to access the NCVH services. If eligible, the NCVH will be able to provide Veterans with DVA resources and support. This will ensure Veterans receive ongoing care through DVA upon discharge from the NCVH.
Can a Veteran’s family and/or carer be involved?
Yes! The NCVH strongly encourages family and/or carers to be involved and engaged with the Veteran’s healthcare and treatment whilst at the NCVH. Unfortunately, family and/or carers will not be able to receive treatment from the NCVH. The NCVH will be able to provide family and/or carers with resources on how they can access support if required.
Is there accommodation available?
Yes! Residential hostel style accommodation will be available on site at Concord Hospital (available from early 2020). There are a variety of rooms including single, double and family rooms, as we understand the important role that your family and/or carer plays in your healthcare. Case Managers will discuss individual needs for accommodation with the Veteran and will be assessed on a case-by case basis. * Read more about Soldier On and Fussell House here; https://soldieron.org.au/2018/06/13/soldier-on-and-concord-repatriation-general-hospital-together-providing-world-class-support-to-service-personnel-and-their-families/<https://soldieron.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=09f8ec08613b5a4dde7f1aec7&id=ed6c67c08f&e=8b325fef5f>
Does the NCVH work with other Ex-Service Organisations for Veterans?
Yes! The NCVH have formed a network with Ex-Service Organisations for Veterans. Case Manager’s will be able to provide Veterans with contact details and resources in regards to any aspect of their healthcare and wellbeing. Additionally, the NCVH will aim to provide contact details for services to support the Veteran’s family and/or carer.
How long will a Veteran’s treatment be?
This will be dependent on the number of services the Veteran is referred to, treatment goals and availability to attend appointments. There is no set timeframe, however on average it is anticipated that a Veteran will complete their treatment within 12 weeks.
Where to find out more information:
Website: http://ncvhconcord.com.au/
Email: SLHD-NCVHConcord@health.nsw.gov.au
Phone number: 02 9767 866