MS TIERNEY — To ask the Minister for Health: In relation to waiting periods for families with sick children in Geelong, including those with physical, behavioural and developmental problems, and noting that it has been reported that some paediatricians have simply closed their books, overrun with patient demand, and that waiting times are awful and create a lot of worry for all involved: What is the Napthine government putting in place to address the extremely excessive waiting periods to see a paediatrician in Geelong.
ANSWER:
I am informed that:
Barwon Health has commenced additional rapid assessment clinics in the Emergency Department for children in Geelong.
Barwon Medicare Local, in partnership with Barwon Health and paediatricians, is developing a healthcare pathway to assist in building capacity and strengthening relationships between general practitioners, Specialists and health services. Paediatric clinical guidelines have been adapted for local use to assist with GP referrals to and from Specialists.