Funding Restrictions Now in Place. Important Notice for New Zealand Assessors

29 November 2007

 Dear Assessor/Therapist,

The Ministry of Health has recently communicated funding restrictions are now in place due to significant increases in demand for Homecare based medical equipment.

Due to the funding restrictions, we have been forced to change the way we do business.  For many years we have supported the industry by leaving our trial equipment, if successful, out in the field until the funding has been processed.  This is no longer a viable strategy given the delays.

Effective immediately we are moving to reduce our trial timeframes and recall trial equipment until a purchase order has been received from the funders.  This will allow us to free up trial equipment and keep up with the ongoing trial demand.

What does this mean for you?  As a therapist, we are looking for your support to efficiently manage the trial process of Invacare product in conjunction with your Product Specialist.  Equipment will now be issued based on a 7-day or less trial with the client.

At the completion of this timeframe the equipment will need to be returned to Invacare New Zealand.  As per the MoH Equipment Manual, it is your responsibility to package the trial equipment back up in the original packaging and organise return freight at a cost to your employer.   For further information regarding the return of trial equipment, please phone our trials department on free phone 0508 468 222.

We do however have a pool of rental equipment available should you require a temporary solution for your clients.  This rental equipment may or may not be the same as you have trialled.  To arrange, please phone your Product Specialist and provide a purchase order for the agreed rental period. 

Please feel free to contact me directly on (09) 917 3952 should you wish to further discuss any of the above.

We thank you in advance for your support and appreciate the pressure you are under during these challenging times.

Yours sincerely,

Karl Stanisich

Sales Manager

Invacare New Zealand