Adopting a new approach to buying powered wheelchairs means Enable New Zealand can now purchase significantly more within existing funding levels, without compromising on service and at the same time reducing waiting lists.

A group of three suppliers have signed a three-year panel supply agreement for powered wheelchairs and chair accessories.

In the 09/10 year 334 powered wheelchairs were purchased at a total value of $4.255 million. In the same year a further 226 powered wheelchairs (valued at $2.164 million) were unable to be purchased as funding limits had been reached.

Enable New Zealand General Manager, Heather Browning says: “Under this agreement we can purchase approximately 49 additional powered wheelchairs (using 09/10 figures) and be totally confident we are providing our clients with the best chair for their needs - achieving this by spending existing funds more wisely.

“Substantially reducing the waiting list by extracting greater value from the existing funding purse is a fantastic outcome for our clients. This is also in-line with the government’s initiatives to contain escalating costs of health and disability services.

“The benefits go far beyond just financial. For example, the focus can now be on form, function and fit rather than wheelchair brand. Also product choice is not restricted. Consequently we can provide our clients with a wheelchair that meets their specific needs.”

Enable New Zealand Purchasing and Procurement Manager, Richard Hodgson, says: “The Ministry of Health and ACC requested Enable New Zealand developed mechanisms to deliver greater fiscal benefit whilst maintaining access to services.

“This panel supply approach is very new for Enable New Zealand and for the disability sector.

“We believe saving a further 15% on powered wheelchairs over time is easily achievable.”

Enable New Zealand plans to implement further panel supply arrangements in other equipment categories, however not all equipment will be purchased via panel supply. Its procurement approach will also include arrangements such as tendered equipment lists and preferred supply.

Enable New Zealand purchases and procures rehabilitation equipment and housing modification services that last year equated to a value of $68.2 million. Of that, a combined value of around $44 million was spent on 61,000 pieces of rehabilitation equipment for the Ministry of Health and ACC.