A Bracken Ridge mother with a spinal cord injury is battling the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) after they withdrew funding for the only treatment that allows her to use the toilet.
Meagan Hammond, who lives in Bracken Ridge, relies on colonic irrigation to manage her bowel function, a treatment the NDIS has deemed an “alternative therapy” and refuses to fund.
Ms Hammond acquired a spinal cord injury in 2018. Since then, she has been unable to use the toilet normally. In 2019, she began using colonic irrigation after traditional methods, like medication, failed to help. This treatment allowed her to manage her condition effectively until September, when the NDIS suddenly stopped funding it.
Facing the prospect of major surgery and potential health risks associated with a stoma bag, Ms Hammond feels the NDIS is forcing her into an undesirable solution. She argues that colonic irrigation is the most effective treatment for her and the most cost-effective option compared to a stoma and its associated care. She expressed her willingness to sacrifice her entire $130,000 annual NDIS plan, which covers various other needs, to ensure continued funding for the $170 per session colonic irrigation.
Ms Hammond’s GP, who has been with her throughout her journey with the spinal cord injury, supports her stance and disagrees with the NDIS decision. He believes colonic irrigation is best for her health and well-being. An advocate from Spinal Life Australia has also been assisting Ms Hammond in her efforts to reinstate her funding.
The NDIS maintains that its funding decisions are based on the NDIS Act and that it cannot fund all recommendations made by health professionals. They stated that “alternative therapies” are not considered NDIS supports because they are not “evidence-based.” An NDIS spokesperson said they are working with Ms Hammond to find appropriate disability-related supports and emphasised that the NDIS was designed to complement, not replace, mainstream supports like the health system.
In the meantime, Ms. Hammond has started a fundraiser to help cover the costs of her ongoing treatment. She is also awaiting an internal appeal process with the NDIS but fears her health will deteriorate significantly if she cannot continue her current treatment.
Ms Hammond’s case has garnered attention within the Bracken Ridge community, with many residents expressing concern and offering support. Neighbours have organised a local fundraising event to help Ms Hammond with her treatment costs. Local businesses also show their support by displaying posters and collecting donations.
Ms Hammond remains hopeful that the NDIS will reconsider its decision and reinstate her colonic irrigation treatment funding. Her case highlights the need for greater flexibility and individualised care within the NDIS framework.
Published Date 24-December-2024
