Hon Donna Faragher asks about the number of children on the waiting list for speech pathologists at the metropolitan Child Development Service (MCDS). The Minister for Health responds that 5,154 children are on the waiting list as of August 10, 2022, and outlines the initial support provided to families while waiting.

AnsweredQoN 635Legislative Council
Asked
11 August 2022
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICE — SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS
635. Hon DONNA FARAGHER to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to the response provided by
the Department of Health as part of the 2022–23 budget estimates that
references the median wait time of 8.7
months for a child to access a speech pathologist via the metropolitan Child D evelopment
Service. How many children are currently on the waiting list to access a speech
pathologist via the MCDS?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice
of the question. On behalf of the Leader of the House, the following answer has
been provided by the Minister for Health.
Currently, 5 154 children are on a waiting
list to see a speech pathologist at the metropolitan Child Development Service
as at 10 August 2022. Children referred to a speech pathologist are provided
with a telephone service planning appointment within eight to 12 weeks of
referral with a nurse or an allied health professional. At this appointment,
parental concerns are discussed, the referral is triaged and parents are
provided with appropriate resources for managing their child's
presenting issues. During 2021–22, 32 982 children received services
from the Child Development Service.

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