❓ Hon. Simon O'Brien raises concerns about waiting lists for cerebral palsy spasticity management at Princess Margaret Hospital. Hon. Kate Doust responds, outlining the reasons for the waitlist, consequences of delay, and plans to address funding.
AnsweredQoN 456Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Why are young children with cerebral palsy faced with an extended waiting list to access Princess Margaret Hospital for Children’s spasticity management program? (2) How many patients are waiting to access the program? (3) What are the potential consequences of delaying access by young children to the program? (4) What funding is necessary to address this problem and when will it be made available? Hon KATE DOUST
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(2) How many patients are waiting to access the program? (3) What are the potential consequences of delaying access by young children to the program? (4) What funding is necessary to address this problem and when will it be made available? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(3) What are the potential consequences of delaying access by young children to the program? (4) What funding is necessary to address this problem and when will it be made available? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(4) What funding is necessary to address this problem and when will it be made available? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(2) How many patients are waiting to access the program? (3) What are the potential consequences of delaying access by young children to the program? (4) What funding is necessary to address this problem and when will it be made available? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(3) What are the potential consequences of delaying access by young children to the program? (4) What funding is necessary to address this problem and when will it be made available? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(4) What funding is necessary to address this problem and when will it be made available? Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
Hon KATE DOUST replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I am pleased to be able to respond on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health. (1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(1) Botox injections are part of a treatment program for children with spasticity. About 40 children become suitable for treatment each year. Children will be in the program for four to six years. There is therefore rising demand for Botox treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. Intrathecal Baclofen is a new treatment for generalised spasticity. I note there is a graph and I seek leave to table that information for the member. Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
Leave granted. [See paper 555.] (2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(2) There are 55 children on the waitlist for Botox treatment. (3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(3) Children with spasticity not treated with Botox are at greater risk of delayed walking or not being able to walk; not achieving the optimum function in their hands and legs; requiring surgery to improve function in their hands and legs; dislocation of the hip and requiring surgery and bracing to prevent hip dislocation; and joint pain, contractures and bony deformity. Intrathecal Baclofen reduces painful and disabling muscle spasms. (4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
(4) A business case seeking additional funding to cover the increased demand for this program is being developed for consideration by government. The issues of pharmaceutical benefits scheme eligibility and availability of other services to these children are being resolved, and the minister is strongly supportive of extending this new treatment to children with cerebral palsy.
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