Updated: 22 May 2013

The following are timeframes effective from 01 August 2011 and are reflective of the actions taken below to ensure that the available budget goes to those people in greatest need of this support in the most fair and transparent manner.

Applications Received & Processed
MoH List Equipment Applications have been processed up to:
14 May 2013

Complex Equipment applications received have been loaded to, on or before:
Priority 1 21 May 2013
Priority 2 21 May 2013

Funding Approval has been given up to:
Priority 1 21 May 2013
Priority 2 21 May 2013

MoH List Equipment
All MoH List Equipment applications will continue to be processed on receipt and will be processed within 10 working days*.

Priority 1 and 2
All applications for EMS funding are processed and put through Stores to check availability of Store equipment. All applications not able to be fulfilled by reissue equipment will be considered to be Priority 2 and will be processed in date order as budget allows. Applications for complex items of equipment or housing modifications which are assessed to require immediate action – i.e. Priority 1 funding - should be prepared and managed using the following process.

High Cost Personal Care Equipment
Applications which contain a request for a high cost equipment solution will be reviewed by a panel at Enable New Zealand.

The review panel will include the Enable New Zealand Professional Advisors, Stores and Procurement Team. There will be additional rigor required re the justification for the equipment option and more in depth discussions with the EMS Assessor regarding available store equipment options. Where the item needs to be purchased the procurement team will seek additional suppliers who may have a competing, more cost effective product, details of which will be discussed with the EMS Assessor.

This work may add to the Priority 1 timeframe.

P1 Equipment, Vehicles and Housing:
Priority 1 applications will be considered where this is supported by the Professional Advisor or Clinical Leader (or other delegated professional), at the assessment service. Such applications must be forwarded by email to the following address: Priority@enable.co.nz

Further information regarding current prioritisation to manage the available budget for 2011/2012 can be found here Managing EMS Budget in the 2011 - 2012 year
Enable New Zealand is contracted by the Ministry of Health to administer the Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) contract. This contract covers equipment, vehicle purchase and modifications and housing modifications for people with long-term disability related needs. EMS is not set up to provide equipment or housing modifications for discharge to home from hospital or any other type of acute service needs. This is the responsibility of District Health Boards.

* Actual Delivery times may vary due to destination or availability of the product.