The Army Support to Wounded Injured and Ill Program (SWIIP) was established in 2008 to meet the needs of an increasing number of our wounded, injured and ill soldiers. It streamlines processes and assures our soldiers and their families that recovery needs will be met.
The program has established procedures for coordinating the clinical, rehabilitation and personnel management aspects of a member’s recovery. It continues to refine and develop supporting policy and procedures to enhance its support framework.
As components of SWIIP, multi-disciplinary Welfare Boards track the progress of our members and establish recovery plans. Individual case management is facilitated by Unit Welfare Officers and/or Army Member Support Coordinators (MSC). Complex cases are afforded Extended Rehabilitation or Extended Transition periods to support members facing significant life changes. MSCs are located regionally and provide our members and Units a point of contact to assist with synchronisation of services and timely access to compensation expertise.
In 2012, Army will implement priority actions identified in Joint Health Command’s ADF Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy including the development of a peer support network and initiatives to reduce mental health stigma and barriers to seeking care.
In parallel, Army has initiated baseline cognitive assessments for all deploying members. Cognitive assessment data will facilitate early identification and treatment of brain injured members – thus minimising harm and delivering better health outcomes for our soldiers.