The following statement may be attributed to Mr Alan Wilson, Deputy Chief Executive, Acute Care, NT Department of Health and Families:
As at mid-October 2009, there were 500 remaining referrals to Paediatricians as a result of Australian Government Intervention child health checks for a variety of conditions, including respiratory problems.
Contrary to claims suggesting that all of these still require follow up, and that permanent lung damage will result if they are not seen, around half of these referrals have in fact been attended to and plans are in place for the remaining referrals to be assessed within the next few weeks.
Only about 15 cases indicate that specialised respiratory investigations are required at Royal Darwin Hospital.
Valued funding has been provided by the Australian Government for the child health checks and all necessary follow-up treatment, including the provision of additional paediatric services, as well as more primary health care.
Release date: 19 November 2009
