❓ Question seeks data on wait times for child development services (paediatrician, audiologist, clinical psychologist) in WA's regional areas. The answer provides some data, but notes limitations in data collection and service delivery models.
AnsweredQoN 544Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to child development services provided by the WA Country Health Service, and I ask, will the Minister advise the current median wait times for children in the primary years of schooling to access a pediatrician, audiologist and clinical psychologist in each of the following health regions: (a) Kimberley; (b) Pilbara; (c) Midwest; (d) Goldfields; (e) Wheatbelt; (f) South West; and (g) Great Southern?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 March 2022
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Health
Response time
9 days
(a)-(g) The method of delivery of audiology and paediatric services in country WA varies and may be provided by WA Country Health Service (WACHS) employed clinicians or external services contracted by WACHS.
In some areas audiology and clinical psychiatry services are provided by Aboriginal Medical Services or Non-Government Organisations. Wait list data for these providers is not held by WACHS.
The median waiting time for children (5-11 years) for therapy services (days) from receipt of referral for child development services to attendance at the first appointment is provided in the table below.
Region
Audiology
Clinical Psychology
Developmental Paediatrics*
Kimberley
47.5
Data not captured separately
Data for referrals to developmental paediatricians is not captured separately to other paediatrician referrals.
Pilbara
76.5
344
Midwest
139
67
Goldfields
41.5
123.5
Wheatbelt
Data not captured separately
Data not captured separately
South West
77
Data not captured separately
Great Southern
207
167
In some areas audiology and clinical psychiatry services are provided by Aboriginal Medical Services or Non-Government Organisations. Wait list data for these providers is not held by WACHS.
The median waiting time for children (5-11 years) for therapy services (days) from receipt of referral for child development services to attendance at the first appointment is provided in the table below.
Region
Audiology
Clinical Psychology
Developmental Paediatrics*
Kimberley
47.5
Data not captured separately
Data for referrals to developmental paediatricians is not captured separately to other paediatrician referrals.
Pilbara
76.5
344
Midwest
139
67
Goldfields
41.5
123.5
Wheatbelt
Data not captured separately
Data not captured separately
South West
77
Data not captured separately
Great Southern
207
167
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