I am a mother of a child with allergies. They were 8 months old when they were admitted to hospital after suffering an accurate allergic reaction. As a new mum, this was a terrifying experience, however, the paediatrician was phenomenal and was able to provide us with quick referrals to the local Allergy Specialist/paediatrician and Dietitian. We formed a really close connection with our Allergy Specialist as they helped us navigate my child's allergies. To have such a resource and wealth of knowledge in our home town was so important, as driving to Melbourne was not a feasible option for our family, as I am sure it is also the case for many others.
My child, until recently, was under the care of an Allergy Specialist/paed, however, I have been informed this service is being dissolved at CGHS. Sale (and surrounds) is a growing population, and looking at recent statistics, this growth, correlates with a growth in allergies. It seems like an ill-informed and obscure choice for CGHS to not have an Allergy Specialist in Sale.
I also teach at a local school, so from an education perspective, I know allergies impact on a child's wellbeing and learning, no matter how severe the allergy. I understand and empathise with local parents' frustrations when they need to see an Allergy Specialist but are referred to Melbourne, where I believe there is an extortionate wait time (at least a year). Whilst during this wait time, their child is not receiving the appropriate medical care to manage their allergies, and as mentioned above, has a negative effect on their learning. After the last two years of COVID interruptions to schooling, I think our children have lost enough learning time. It seems inequitable for a child to lose another year of enriched learning because of mammoth waiting times to see an Allergy Specialist, when we could have one here in Sale!
"Service availability for children with allergies"
About: Central Gippsland Health Central Gippsland Health Sale 3850 http://www.cghs.com.au Sale Hospital / Paediatric Services Sale Hospital Paediatric Services Sale 3850
Posted by Mum/Teacher (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Mark Dykgraaf