Dear Committee Honourable members,
I am a GP in the Perth Hills. Much of my practice is related to mental health
consultations and management, including in children and young people.
Developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD are
very common in our population, and early treatment and management has long been
recognised as essential for good clinical care and long-term outcomes.
I have previously worked in the hospital system, in both metro and rural areas,
and have seen the devastating impact of a lack of child development services on
patients, their families and carers, as well as those around a child including
siblings, schools etc..
The lack of access to all areas of child development services, in both public
and private settings, is frankly a disgrace, and a travesty in 2022 in Western
Australia. It is unacceptable and demonstrates a lack of willingness and care
for these young people, for their health, their wellbeing, and their futures.
Getting into allied health services (eg. occupational therapy, speech therapy,
psychology) can be life-changing, assisting patients and their families with
the skills and supports they need.
Getting into specialist medical services (eg. paediatrics and psychiatry) can
be life-changing, assisting with further support, education and medication, if
appropriate.
In the absence of access within the public system, patients are forced to spend
exceeding amounts of time and money looking at private options, sometimes even
travelling/attending clinics in other states. Additionally, the block on GPs
being able to initiate and prescribe stimulant medications (by PBS guidelines
and WA Health Poisons Act restrictions) means that life-changing medications
are denied to vulnerable patients.
I continue to be dismayed at a lack of action on this front, and appreciate
this Committee’s work in this area.
Thank you for your consideration.