Funding for research to improve independence of people with catastrophic injuries

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Funding for research to improve independence of people with catastrophic injuries

23 March 2018

  • Insurance Commission to provide $168,000 to research and trial assistive toileting technology options for people with acquired brain and spinal cord injuries.
  • The research aims to improve independence and reduce the cost of care for people catastrophically injured in car crashes.

The Insurance Commission of Western Australia will fund a 16-month research project examining and trialing assistive toileting technologies commencing March 2018.

The project will work closely with people undergoing rehabilitation at the Oats Street brain injury rehabilitation service located in East Victoria Park run by Brightwater Care Group.

Brightwater will undertake the research funded by the Insurance Commission. Brightwater is a not-for-profit organisation that provides rehabilitation and support services to people with catastrophic injuries, and operates a research centre that focuses on new ways to enhance the lives of people living with a disability or in aged care.

The research will be led by Dr Angelita Martini, Director of the Brightwater Research Centre, Annelize Prinsloo, President of the WA Continence Foundation, and a team of health specialists, carers and researchers.

The Insurance Commission spends around $4 million per year on toileting care and support for its clients with serious injuries from car crashes. The research project aims to increase client independence by reducing the amount of care required while toileting, which can result in lower care costs.

Comments attributed to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Wyatt:

“I commend the Insurance Commission for funding this research project with the Brightwater Care Group.

“Brightwater’s Oats Street facility is an internationally recognised rehabilitation centre for people with acquired brain injuries who have high-care needs.

“Many of the Insurance Commission’s clients in its Catastrophic Injuries Support scheme use the Oats Street facility in East Victoria Park as a step forward in their rehabilitation and return to the community following injury.

“If research can assist in decreasing the cost of care while increasing independence for those with acquired brain injuries then this is a positive outcome for everyone.”

Comments attributed to Minister Stephen Dawson:

“This research project demonstrates a focus on community needs and how technology can increase the independence for those with acquired brain injuries.

“Living with a catastrophic injury is not only difficult for the individual but for their families and their carers as well.

“I support the initiative of the Insurance Commission to partner with a leading Western Australian organisation to improve the lives of people with disabilities.”

Treasurer's office - 6552 5900

Disability Services Minister's office - 6552 5800

Minister Media Statement

Page Last Updated 28 Aug 2020

Media contact

Amber Blake
A/g Senior Communications Officer
+61 8 9264 3227

amber.blake@icwa.wa.gov.au