Shining a Light on the Wound Consumables Scheme with Melissa Freeman

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Kim, Chris, and Riwka are joined by Melissa Freeman, Managing Director and Lead Nurse at Port Macquarie's Wound Care Clinic, to discuss the new National Wound Consumables Scheme. Addressing eligibility, access, training requirements, and the anticipated patient and health system benefits associated with this programme.

Melissa outlines the historical context behind the scheme, highlighting the significant prevalence of chronic wounds in Australia and the considerable financial burden placed on patients and the health system. She explains the intent to fill a gap for patients who do not otherwise qualify for wound consumables under aged care, NDIS, or DVA funding.

Key Points:

• Background: The Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme addresses the needs of the estimated 500,000 Australians living with chronic wounds, mitigating financial barriers to good wound care.
• Eligibility: At present, the scheme is available to people with diabetes with a wound present for over 30 days, aged 65+ (or 50+ for First Nations), not receiving wound care funding via NDIS, aged care, or DVA.
• Access & Training: Registered nurses in general practice must complete a free training module via Monash University, typically taking 1–2 hours. The course counts towards CPD hours.
• Ordering: Consumable orders are placed via the PRODA system, with practice-based protocols suggested for managing supplies allocated to individual patients.
• Impact: The scheme aims to prevent complications, hospitalisations, and downstream costs. Good wound care and prevention are expected to reduce system burden.
• Privacy: Only essential patient identifiers (e.g., name, Medicare number) are required for registration; no additional clinical information is supplied to the system.
• Future Expansion: There is hope for eligibility to expand to include people with other chronic diseases or those ages under 65 in the future.

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