Page 4998 - Week 15 - Thursday, 15 December 2005
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Disability ACT—epileptic seizure monitoring
(Question No 768)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, upon notice, on 16 November 2005:
(1) What evidence exists for Disability ACT to utilise the electronic seizure mat (EMFIT) to monitor clients for epileptic seizures;
(2) Is this form of epileptic seizure monitoring medically approved for use in the ACT; if so, what forms of trials were conducted to ensure this equipment would offer the best monitoring system for seizures;
(3) What procedures must Disability ACT follow when consulting with and gaining consent from a client’s guardian to use this monitoring system.
Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Disability ACT seeks the advice of relevant experts in the field of epilepsy management to ensure best practice principles are applied in the service. The advice at times has included a recommendation to utilise available technologies such as the EMFIT Epileptic Seizure Alarm in particular circumstances.
(2) The seizure alarm is not used for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, prevention or alleviation of epilepsy and consequently there is no requirement for medical approval in the ACT. It is a bed alarm system to alert staff to possible life threatening situations and is used in conjunction with an approved seizure management plan.
(3) Disability ACT is required to seek consent for referrals to specialist services and interventions and consults with guardians in relation to implementation of any recommendations, including the use of assistive technology such as the EMFIT mat.
Housing ACT—properties
(Question No 769)
Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, upon notice, on 16 November 2005:
(1) How many properties, by suburb, currently stand vacant awaiting (a) allocation or (b) repairs and scheduled maintenance;
(2) How many modified housing properties, by suburb, do Housing ACT and the Community Housing sector currently maintain that could house tenants with a disability or difficulties with mobility.
Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) As of 18 November 2005:
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