A new paediatric service has launched last week at Kilmore District Hospital, as part of Northern Health’s commitment to providing better connected care, and ensuring it’s meeting the community’s needs
now, and into the future.
The newly established service provides support to young children who experience developmental and behavioural issues. This includes children experiencing speech delay, concerns of autism, concerns of ADHD
(Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and significant levels of anxiety, particularly post-COVID.
Many of these children are eligible for NDIS funding, and the team at Kilmore is focused on recognising and treating concerns before they commence school and getting them linked with the most appropriate
services early.
The clinic operates four days a week and is staffed by two community fellows and a paediatric consultant, supported by onsite nursing and administrative support. The clinicians also provide outreach clinics to local maternal child health nursing and community health centres. These clinics accept referrals from, not only GPs, but also maternal child health nurses and school nurses, enabling greater access to care.
Women’s and children’s services divisional director Dr David Tran said they wanted to focus on some of the most vulnerable families and young children who, at the moment, are facing long wait times to be seen.
“It is a fantastic, and really exciting new service in a region where there is a huge need,” he said. “Hopefully this will streamline services and enable some of these patients to get the care that they need faster, and closer to
home.”
General paediatrician, Dr Daniel Tsen, said he was looking forward to its positive impact in the local community.
“It is fantastic that paediatric services are more accessible for community in Mitchell Shire region. This allows us to deliver better paediatric care by working closely with families locally,” he said.
“Through clinics at Kilmore District Hospital and community outreach centres, paediatric community fellows will also gain invaluable experiences in community medicine, consolidating their professional development as future paediatricians.”
