Workforce Shortage leads to closure of Directions Therapy Services

WORKFORCE SHORTAGE LEADS TO CLOSURE OF DIRECTIONS THERAPY SERVICES

 

Directions Disability Support Services (Directions) has made the difficult decision to close the organisation’s Therapy Services arm from Friday 18 August 2023.

The 100 clients accessing physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology services from the respected provider will be transitioned to other services best suited to their needs.

Chief Executive Officer, Greg Massam, said that like many providers, Directions has been impacted by national workforce shortages across all three therapy areas.

“Many of our clients have been unable to access as many therapy sessions as they would like or are finding themselves on waiting lists for extended periods of time,” he said.

“We don’t believe this is fair or sustainable and this has sadly led to the decision to discontinue this part of our service offering.”

Mr Massam said the closure of Directions’ Therapy Services is in no way a reflection of its hard-working therapists who are highly experienced and committed to providing the best service in a timely manner.

“They have given above and beyond to the people in their care, and we are enormously grateful for their skill and compassion,” he said.

“We are hopeful the ongoing demand for physiotherapists, speech pathologists and occupational therapists will mean those therapy staff whose positions with Directions have been made redundant will be able to secure alternative employment in a short period of time.”

Mr Massam said Directions will focus on the delivery of individual services, group programs and support coordination in line with its vision of being a leader in NDIS-funded disability support services in Western Australia.