November 4, 2020
Your locally-owned FREE Community Newspaper
localmatters.co.nz
Paralysed man stands up to ACC – and wins
Steve Caines took ACC to court in a bid to obtain a ReWalk exoskeleton after successfully trialling it in Orewa. Photo, Cheril Clarke.
In a David and Goliath-style confrontation in the Wellington District Court, Orewa’s Steve Caines triumphed over ACC. Steve, who is paralysed from the chest down, has been fighting for three years for access to the battery-powered exoskeleton known as a ReWalk, which enables him to walk upright. ACC declined to provide Steve with this equipment, despite the fact that it funded a three-year trial, which he successfully completed. Among its objections was the suitability of the equipment. Judge Denese Henare’s decision, handed down on September 30, quashed ACC’s decision and found many flaws in its processes. The corporation is now required to carry out a proper investigation into Steve’s request for a ReWalk. “While it is accepted no legitimate expectation was set up for the provision of a ReWalk, the corporation was bound to provide a proper process of assessment,” Judge Henare’s decision says. “It is unsurprising then that Mr Caines raised the myriad of questions he then posed to the corporation following the decline decision.” Steve says he is grateful that the judge “could see through the smoke and mirrors and deceptive conduct of ACC”. He is currently waiting to receive a proposal from ACC with details of the investigation process and says
all he has ever asked for is equitable treatment. “I hope we can meet in the middle and come up with the correct decision,” he says. “For instance, leasing the equipment may be one way forward and will enable us to keep pace with this rapidly advancing technology.” A ReWalk costs in the vicinity of $115,000 but in the long term Steve says it results in savings for the health system. Using callipers, a scooter or wheelchair can have many negative impacts on physical and mental health. Mastering the ReWalk required determination, fitness and focus and Steve is the first New Zealander to successfully see the trial through to completion. continued p2
Inside this issue
Dining lift out guide
pages 15 to 26
vv
Migraine Clinic in store in
November
Bookings essential! Phone 424-7708
Book your appointment to see our naturopath. Cost: $30 53B Rawhiti Road, Manly Village Ph (09) 424 7708, Fax (09) 424 7427 www.unichemmanly.co.nz
Your local health professional
Manly Pharmacy