Paediatric wait-times could be burdening the education system

Long wait times for paediatric care are impacting the education system, say healthcare professionals and educators.

Lynette Evans, manager of Nelson Bays resource teachers of learning and behaviour (RTLB) says paediatric wait times at the local hospital are a contributing factor to stand-downs, exclusions and truancy. The lack of medical input means teachers lack guidance on navigating learning and behaviour needs, says Evans.  

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The range of unmet needs include foetal alcohol syndrome and cognitive delay. Other issues like anxiety may present due to underlying medical issues.  

Without diagnosis or access to essential funding and support, the education system becomes strained, with mental health and support services at schools already overwhelmed.  

Evans says she sees children on the paediatric wait list suffer long-term consequences on their learning and wellbeing, which ripples out into the wider community.  

“Often it’s too late when we get them into paediatrics and they’re 12, 13, 14. It’s a long way down the track by then, and I think that’s the shame of it. 

“We need to be able to access these services, especially for our priority children, who are at risk of being able to stay engaged in education.” 

Nelson Hospital is one of many facilities across the country where long wait times are impacting the community, and medical professionals working at the hospital say children are some of the worst affected. There, some children wait 18 months to see a paediatrician for developmental and behavioural concerns. 

Dr Katie Ben, president of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, noted that a five-year-old who is facing issues at school will “have their first two years at school, which is possibly some of the most formative, on a waiting list to see a paediatrician.  

“Paediatricians commonly say their patients don’t die, they just get expelled.”