❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks details on the State Child Development Centre's services, budget, patient numbers, staffing, and waiting times over five years. The answer provides the requested data.
AnsweredQoN 2420Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) What are the services offered at the State Child Development Centre?
(2) What was the State Child Development Centre’s Budget over each of the following five financial years -
(a) 1999-2000;
(b) 2000-2001;
(c) 2001-2002;
(d) 2002-2003; and
(e) 2003-2004?
(3) How many children did the State Child Development Centre see via referrals in each financial year in (2) for the following therapies -
(a) Occupational therapy;
(b) Speech pathology;
(c) Physiotherapy;
(d) Complex assessments; and
(e) Audiology?
(4) How many FTE clinical staff were employed at the State Child Development Centre during each of the five financial years in (2) and what were their specialist areas?
(5) What were the average waiting times in each financial year in (2) for an appointment with a specialist in each of the following specialist areas -
(a) Occupational therapy;
(b) Speech pathology;
(c) Physiotherapy;
(d) Complex assessments; and
(e) Audiology?
(6) What is the current average amount of time (in weeks) that children attend the State Child Development Centre for therapy in each of the following areas -
(a) Occupational therapy;
(b) Speech pathology;
(c) Physiotherapy;
(d) Complex assessments; and
(e) Audiology?
(2) What was the State Child Development Centre’s Budget over each of the following five financial years -
(a) 1999-2000;
(b) 2000-2001;
(c) 2001-2002;
(d) 2002-2003; and
(e) 2003-2004?
(3) How many children did the State Child Development Centre see via referrals in each financial year in (2) for the following therapies -
(a) Occupational therapy;
(b) Speech pathology;
(c) Physiotherapy;
(d) Complex assessments; and
(e) Audiology?
(4) How many FTE clinical staff were employed at the State Child Development Centre during each of the five financial years in (2) and what were their specialist areas?
(5) What were the average waiting times in each financial year in (2) for an appointment with a specialist in each of the following specialist areas -
(a) Occupational therapy;
(b) Speech pathology;
(c) Physiotherapy;
(d) Complex assessments; and
(e) Audiology?
(6) What is the current average amount of time (in weeks) that children attend the State Child Development Centre for therapy in each of the following areas -
(a) Occupational therapy;
(b) Speech pathology;
(c) Physiotherapy;
(d) Complex assessments; and
(e) Audiology?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
1 April 2004
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
30 days
(b) 2000-2001; (c) 2001-2002; (d) 2002-2003; and (e) 2003-2004?
(c) 2001-2002; (d) 2002-2003; and (e) 2003-2004?
(d) 2002-2003; and (e) 2003-2004?
(e) 2003-2004?
(b) Speech pathology; (c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(e) Audiology?
(b) Speech pathology; (c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(e) Audiology?
(b) Speech pathology; (c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(e) Audiology?
1 Services offered at the State Child Development Centre. The State Child Development Centre is a secondary and tertiary referral centre providing statewide specialised clinical services to children with complex developmental problems and their families. The Centre follows a community health philosophy utilising a multi-disciplinary team approach with a particular focus on early detection and intervention. A multidisciplinary paediatric team of experienced clinicians including medical, nursing and allied health staff are employed, and provide coordinated services within a multi-disciplinary framework to meet individual needs of clients and families. The combined team considers the broad range of relevant facts relating to developmental issues, including physical, emotional, social, cultural or environmental aspects and their impact on the health and well-being of the child and family. The team is housed in the Rheola Street complex, where children and families are seen on an appointment basis for assessment or ongoing management and services. Visiting services provide home, daycare and other community based programs where this is considered most effective (eg, Play and Learning, visiting Social Work and Speech Pathology Services). Follow up consultations are available to country families via Tele-health if considered appropriate. The range of disciplines available through the Centre to provide multidisciplinary services to families includes Paediatrician, Child Health Nurse, Audiology, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Play and Learning, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Podiatry. These services are provided to families on the basis of individual family needs. In addition the centre participates in undergraduate and postgraduate education, is involved in research and contributes to policy relating to community and child health. Consultation and liaison are provided to isolated clinicians working in country areas through direct contact or via Tele-health. 2 State Child Development Centre budget over each year 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 $2,280,888 $2,273,288 $2,249,274 $2,340,605 $2,671,212 3 Children seen via referrals for the financial year in the following therapies. 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-Feb 2004 Occupational Therapy 202 245 273 285 268 Speech Pathology 601 673 648 613 690 Physiotherapy 239 227 278 259 202 Complex assessments Not available Not available Not available 52 34 Audiology 1200 1639 1546 1538 1082 4 FTE clinical staff employed at the SCDC in the following five financial years and their specialist areas. 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 Paediatricians/Registrars 6.2 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 Clinical Psychologists 2.4 3 3 3 3 Social Workers 3 3 3 3 3 Nurses 2.6 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 Podiatrist 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Occupational Therapists 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 PAL – OT – Home visiting 1 1 1 1 1 Speech Pathologists 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 Physiotherapists 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 Audiologists 2 2 2 2 2 Note: FTE not always fully filled. 5 Average waiting times in each financial year for an appointment with a specialist in the following specialist areas. 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 Occupational Therapy 0-3yrs: 3-5 months 4-6yrs: 3-5 months +6yrs: 3-5 months 0-3yrs: 3-5 months 4-6yrs: 3-5 months +6yrs: 3-5 months 0-3yrs: 4-6 weeks 4-6yrs: 3 months +6yrs: 3 months 0-3yrs: 2-3 months 4-6yrs: 3-4 months +6yrs: 4-6 months 0-3yrs: 0-3 months 4-6yrs: 3-4 months +6yrs: 4-6 months Speech Pathology 2-3yrs: 2-4 weeks 3-5yrs: 2-3 months +5yrs: 3 months 2-3yrs: 2-4 weeks 3-5yrs: 4-6 months +5yrs: 4-5 months 2-3yrs: 2-4 weeks 3-5yrs: 5-6 months +5yrs: 6-8 months 2-3yrs: 1-2 months 3-5yrs: 6-8 months +5yrs: up to 12 months 2-3yrs: 1-2 months 3-5yrs: 6-8 months +5yrs: up to 12 months Physiotherapy 6 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 10 weeks Complex assessments 3-4 months for early intervention 12 months for school aged 3-4 months for early intervention 12 months for school aged 3-4 months for early intervention 12 months for school aged 3-4 months for early intervention 12 months for school aged 3-4 months for early intervention 9-10 months for school aged Audiology (see note below) 3 months 4-6 months 6 months 0-2yrs: 4 months 3-6yrs: 2-4 months +7yrs: 4 months 0-2yrs: 4 months 3-6yrs: 2-4 months +7yrs: 4 months Audiology There have been changes in audiology facilities in the metropolitan area during this time. 6 Current average amount of time in weeks that children attend the SCDC for therapy in the following disciplines. Discipline Diagnostic Group No of Sessions Occupational Therapy (See note below) Sensory processing difficulties Fine-motor delay/developmental delay 0-3 yrs Learning difficulty/fine motor incoordination 4-8 yrs 2-8 10-40 8-64 Speech Pathology (See note below) Stuttering Verbal Dyspraxia Phonological delay Language delay Voice 7-20 26-40 6-30 4-40 6 Physiotherapy (Depending on diagnostic group and age) Muscular/Skeletal – under 20 weeks Developmental delay – under 52-250 weeks (depending on gross motor disability) Neuro Clients – under 52 weeks (whilst awaiting diagnosis and referral to another agency) 5-8 10-40 10-20 Complex assessments Pervasive Developmental Disorder Developmental Delay * 3-4 Depending on needs Audiology Hearing assessment (approx 50 minutes) Glue ears (around 50% of referrals) 1 2 or more *Complex assessments For pervasive developmental disorder, in the last 12 months a senior paediatrician has seen the child in the first instance to avoid a long delay for assessment. If a decision is made to go ahead with a full multidisciplinary assessment, the clinical psychologist will arrange an appointment to see the family. They will also contact and/or visit the school if the child is school aged. In addition a social worker visits the home. A three-hour assessment with three clinicians followed by a case discussion then takes place - paediatrician, clinical psychologist, speech pathologist. A full report is prepared with referral on to specialised services as required. If the diagnosis is inconclusive, the child is reviewed in 3-6 months. The format for other complex assessments depends upon the presenting concerns and assessment and management are tailored to the needs of the family. Speech Pathology Average length of stay is approximately 23.4 months (range 1 month – 60 months). Intensity and frequency of intervention depends on the severity of the problem. Occupational Therapy Number of sessions may average maximum 16 to 30 per annum. Where figures are quoted up to 64 this reflects a child attending the service for up to four years duration. It should be noted that the statistics do not fully reflect the nature or complexity of services provided to families with children who have developmental difficulties.
(c) 2001-2002; (d) 2002-2003; and (e) 2003-2004?
(d) 2002-2003; and (e) 2003-2004?
(e) 2003-2004?
(b) Speech pathology; (c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(e) Audiology?
(b) Speech pathology; (c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(e) Audiology?
(b) Speech pathology; (c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(c) Physiotherapy; (d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(d) Complex assessments; and (e) Audiology?
(e) Audiology?
1 Services offered at the State Child Development Centre. The State Child Development Centre is a secondary and tertiary referral centre providing statewide specialised clinical services to children with complex developmental problems and their families. The Centre follows a community health philosophy utilising a multi-disciplinary team approach with a particular focus on early detection and intervention. A multidisciplinary paediatric team of experienced clinicians including medical, nursing and allied health staff are employed, and provide coordinated services within a multi-disciplinary framework to meet individual needs of clients and families. The combined team considers the broad range of relevant facts relating to developmental issues, including physical, emotional, social, cultural or environmental aspects and their impact on the health and well-being of the child and family. The team is housed in the Rheola Street complex, where children and families are seen on an appointment basis for assessment or ongoing management and services. Visiting services provide home, daycare and other community based programs where this is considered most effective (eg, Play and Learning, visiting Social Work and Speech Pathology Services). Follow up consultations are available to country families via Tele-health if considered appropriate. The range of disciplines available through the Centre to provide multidisciplinary services to families includes Paediatrician, Child Health Nurse, Audiology, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Play and Learning, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Podiatry. These services are provided to families on the basis of individual family needs. In addition the centre participates in undergraduate and postgraduate education, is involved in research and contributes to policy relating to community and child health. Consultation and liaison are provided to isolated clinicians working in country areas through direct contact or via Tele-health. 2 State Child Development Centre budget over each year 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 $2,280,888 $2,273,288 $2,249,274 $2,340,605 $2,671,212 3 Children seen via referrals for the financial year in the following therapies. 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-Feb 2004 Occupational Therapy 202 245 273 285 268 Speech Pathology 601 673 648 613 690 Physiotherapy 239 227 278 259 202 Complex assessments Not available Not available Not available 52 34 Audiology 1200 1639 1546 1538 1082 4 FTE clinical staff employed at the SCDC in the following five financial years and their specialist areas. 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 Paediatricians/Registrars 6.2 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 Clinical Psychologists 2.4 3 3 3 3 Social Workers 3 3 3 3 3 Nurses 2.6 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 Podiatrist 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Occupational Therapists 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 PAL – OT – Home visiting 1 1 1 1 1 Speech Pathologists 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 Physiotherapists 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 Audiologists 2 2 2 2 2 Note: FTE not always fully filled. 5 Average waiting times in each financial year for an appointment with a specialist in the following specialist areas. 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 Occupational Therapy 0-3yrs: 3-5 months 4-6yrs: 3-5 months +6yrs: 3-5 months 0-3yrs: 3-5 months 4-6yrs: 3-5 months +6yrs: 3-5 months 0-3yrs: 4-6 weeks 4-6yrs: 3 months +6yrs: 3 months 0-3yrs: 2-3 months 4-6yrs: 3-4 months +6yrs: 4-6 months 0-3yrs: 0-3 months 4-6yrs: 3-4 months +6yrs: 4-6 months Speech Pathology 2-3yrs: 2-4 weeks 3-5yrs: 2-3 months +5yrs: 3 months 2-3yrs: 2-4 weeks 3-5yrs: 4-6 months +5yrs: 4-5 months 2-3yrs: 2-4 weeks 3-5yrs: 5-6 months +5yrs: 6-8 months 2-3yrs: 1-2 months 3-5yrs: 6-8 months +5yrs: up to 12 months 2-3yrs: 1-2 months 3-5yrs: 6-8 months +5yrs: up to 12 months Physiotherapy 6 weeks 6 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 10 weeks Complex assessments 3-4 months for early intervention 12 months for school aged 3-4 months for early intervention 12 months for school aged 3-4 months for early intervention 12 months for school aged 3-4 months for early intervention 12 months for school aged 3-4 months for early intervention 9-10 months for school aged Audiology (see note below) 3 months 4-6 months 6 months 0-2yrs: 4 months 3-6yrs: 2-4 months +7yrs: 4 months 0-2yrs: 4 months 3-6yrs: 2-4 months +7yrs: 4 months Audiology There have been changes in audiology facilities in the metropolitan area during this time. 6 Current average amount of time in weeks that children attend the SCDC for therapy in the following disciplines. Discipline Diagnostic Group No of Sessions Occupational Therapy (See note below) Sensory processing difficulties Fine-motor delay/developmental delay 0-3 yrs Learning difficulty/fine motor incoordination 4-8 yrs 2-8 10-40 8-64 Speech Pathology (See note below) Stuttering Verbal Dyspraxia Phonological delay Language delay Voice 7-20 26-40 6-30 4-40 6 Physiotherapy (Depending on diagnostic group and age) Muscular/Skeletal – under 20 weeks Developmental delay – under 52-250 weeks (depending on gross motor disability) Neuro Clients – under 52 weeks (whilst awaiting diagnosis and referral to another agency) 5-8 10-40 10-20 Complex assessments Pervasive Developmental Disorder Developmental Delay * 3-4 Depending on needs Audiology Hearing assessment (approx 50 minutes) Glue ears (around 50% of referrals) 1 2 or more *Complex assessments For pervasive developmental disorder, in the last 12 months a senior paediatrician has seen the child in the first instance to avoid a long delay for assessment. If a decision is made to go ahead with a full multidisciplinary assessment, the clinical psychologist will arrange an appointment to see the family. They will also contact and/or visit the school if the child is school aged. In addition a social worker visits the home. A three-hour assessment with three clinicians followed by a case discussion then takes place - paediatrician, clinical psychologist, speech pathologist. A full report is prepared with referral on to specialised services as required. If the diagnosis is inconclusive, the child is reviewed in 3-6 months. The format for other complex assessments depends upon the presenting concerns and assessment and management are tailored to the needs of the family. Speech Pathology Average length of stay is approximately 23.4 months (range 1 month – 60 months). Intensity and frequency of intervention depends on the severity of the problem. Occupational Therapy Number of sessions may average maximum 16 to 30 per annum. Where figures are quoted up to 64 this reflects a child attending the service for up to four years duration. It should be noted that the statistics do not fully reflect the nature or complexity of services provided to families with children who have developmental difficulties.
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