In early 2014, Australian DFAT agreed to fund the rebuild and fit out of the TRS purpose built facility. ISPO ANMS continued correspondence with TRS to assist with the planning of prosthetics & orthotics component of the new workshop. ISPO ANMS volunteer orthotist Richard Dyson-Holland was a key contributor, providing technical assistance to DFAT regarding the P&O workshop layout, detailing information about how the space could be best utilised. ISPO ANMS also contributed to a suggested procurement list of machinery, equipment and materials required to set-up the work space, negotiating with international suppliers to develop an a procurement list necessary for the resumption of prosthetic & orthotic services.

 

ISPO ANMS continued assistance to TRS throughout the procurement process. The Ministry of Finance successfully signed off on the procurement of the required machinery and equipment in early 2015, with an expected arrival in mid-2015.

The TRS purpose-built facility was completed in May 2015 – the physiotherapy team promptly shifted the location of it’s service to the large physical rehabilitation area of the TRS facility.

During the planning period, it became apparent that an in-country technical assistant would be of value, particularly towards cost-saving through avoiding installation fees of the overseas supplier. TRS again requested the assistance of ISPO ANMS in placing an in-country volunteer to assist not only the installation of the equipment, but also the strengthening of the prosthetics & orthotics aspect of the service.

Whilst on assignment for a similar longer-term role in Samoa, Andrew Jolly, a co-contributor during the planning period, approached Scope Global (an Australian-based, international project management company) for support to fund a short-term visit to Kiribati. As well as providing funding for flights and accommodation for Andrew to travel to and from Kiribati, Scope Global provided comprehensive on-the-ground support in the lead up to, during and after the short-term assignment.

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