Ricky Buchanan, pictured opposite page
and right, hopes to help herself and other
bedridden patients.
Ricky said that there is no intake
method to capture this on referral
to GP clinics and there is also no
national or international body
representing this patient group.
“Without this evidence, it is very
difficult to advocate for change,”
she said.
Ricky also analysed existing
Federal Health Department
legislation and guidelines from The
Royal Australian College of General
Practitioners (RACGP), allied health
"Wouldn’t it be awesome if I could change the
world, how cool would that be? I think I can
make things better.”
standards of care and requirements
from Centrelink and the National May. The Minister replied in a Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). letter outlining a number of policy bedridden, I’m in pain, it sounds like
initiatives which are being trialled for hell – but it’s not,” she said.
‘Just Invisible’ is the 35-page
“My life is super-good. I’m
document which bears the fruit of homebound or bedridden people. that research. There are 18 practical These include the Healthcare Home supported adequately you can do
recommendations from hospital program and the Chronic Care great stuff like writing a 35-page
access to telehealth, co-ordinating initiative as well as providing better report! Wouldn’t it be awesome if
Webster packs, travel arrangements information on transport assistance I could change the world, how cool
and the bedrock of the service – a and the coordination of specialist would that be? I think I can make
good relationship with your GP. appointments. things better.”
Ricky sent this to Jill Hennessy
MP, the Minister for Health in
linkonline.com.au
Ricky hopes that her report will
make a difference.
“I do great stuff. If you are
www.notdoneliving.net/
justinvisible
issues
35