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The Access Assistant Program (AAP) supports children with complex health care needs or a disability to participate in education and care services.
The service is provided by trained staff through the Women's and Children's Health Network's 3D Health unit.
Criteria for support
Types of support provided by the AAP include:
- enteral nutrition, for example gastrostomy, nasogastric
- airway management, for example tracheostomy, BiPAP, CPAP, oxygen support, suction
- elimination support, for example colostomy or catheter management
- high health support needs, for example complex seizure management.
How to access AAP
Complete a 3D Health referral form (Word 280KB). The referral is completed by the education or care service and parents.
The Access Assistant Program flowchart (PDF 302KB) can help you decide if a referral is required.
If you are not sure, contact a Referral Coordinator:
Phone: (08) 8159 9400
Email: Health.WCHNDisabilityServices [at] sa.gov.au
What happens next
AAP staff meet with the education or care service, parents and child to discuss individual needs and plan health support.
If the child has a health care plan support will be developed to meet requirements of the care plan.
A health care plan or health support agreement - HSP120 (DOCX 127 KB) is developed by AAP with parents, treating health professionals (where appropriate), and the education or care service.
Appropriate resources are allocated to support the child. This may include a Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse or Health Support Worker. AAP staff supporting the child are competency trained. Training is individualised for the child.
AAP Medical Consultant
The AAP Medical Consultant can provide support for children with complex care needs (for example, two or more interacting diagnoses). This may include developing individual first aid plans (DOCX 120 KB) , staff training to support the implementation of health care plans, and support where health is variable or health information is lacking.
To contact the AAP Medical Consultant:
- Phone (08) 8159 9400
- Email Health.WCHNDisabilityServices [at] sa.gov.au
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Where a child is eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) it is important for parents to tell their NDIS planner to have the AAP added to their child’s NDIS plan.
NDIS details are included on the 3D Health referral form (Word 280KB).
