STAFF SHORTAGES PROMPT CONCERNS FOR DISABILITY PATIENTS IN THE PILBARA
Pilbara Person Centred Care is a disability support service based in Dampier. Credit: Supplied.
In the Pilbara, a shortage of disability support workers means patients are not always getting the support they need, according to a local care provider.
Melissa Mallia, owner-operator of Pilbara Person Centred Care, says the high cost of living makes it hard to retain disability support workers. She says staff are leaving the industry for better pay in the resources sector.
“Staff start, and then as soon as they get a job at Rio or Woodside, or wherever, they move along,” she said.
Ms Mallia said high rent prices and housing shortages in the region mean people are attracted to jobs with higher pay than what her sector can provide.
“A lot of it here is to do with housing,” she said.
Ms Mallia says that staff shortages across the industry mean not all patients can have their needs met.
“For example, one of my clients is unable to drive because she has seizures,” Ms Mallia said.
“And basically if I can't provide staff for her for a session, she's stuck.”
Across the country, a shortage of allied health workers is putting people with disabilities at risk, according to a new report by National Disability Services (NDS).
The permanent employment rate for allied health workers has fallen from 83 per cent to 78 per cent. The rate for disability support workers is 53 per cent.
According to NDS, staff shortages are leading to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding not being fully utilised.