At least four children died in Canberra Hospital between 2020 and 2022, due to what the Australian Medical Association’s ACT branch diagnosed as inadequate paediatric emergency care. The ACT Government promises, however, that the 2024–25 Budget will deliver more paediatric health services in the community and in hospitals.
The Budget will invest $57.6 million to expand paediatric inpatient care and community-based paediatric services, as part of a $2.6 billion investment in health.
“This budget commitment to expand paediatric health services builds on this Government’s previous investments in both inpatient and outpatient health services specifically for the youngest members of our community,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. “This Government is committed to delivering health services for children, adolescents and their families where and when they need it.”
This follows last year’s additional $15.8 million for new paediatric services, more paediatric health professionals, and training, and the release last year of the Child and Adolescent Clinical Services Plan 2023-2030 to improve child and adolescent health services.
“The Child and Adolescent Clinical Services Plan sets out a vision that children have access to a high-quality health system that enables them to live their best and heathiest lives,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “These investments are another step to ensuring we fulfill this commitment.”
Eight inpatient paediatric beds at Canberra Hospital will be funded to ensure Canberra Health Services can care for unwell children and young people when they need specialist paediatric care.
A new paediatric critical care team will be set up at Canberra Hospital to provide leadership and specialty skills, and better co-ordinate, support, and train staff.
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation services for children with complex and chronic conditions will be expanded, where care is shared between local and interstate hospitals. This funding will develop a model of care to support children in a more sustainable and integrated way.
Dedicated paediatric critical care spaces will be opened in the new Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital, which will be completed later this year.
“Establishing a new location for community-based paediatric services will mean children with, or at risk of, developmental delays or certain health conditions and their families can more easily access the services they need in the community rather than a hospital setting,” a government spokesperson said.
To support critically unwell newborns, a further $18 million will fund additional cots in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nursery at Canberra Hospital.
This term, Ms Stephen-Smith said, the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children has expanded, Emergency Department staff have been trained in paediatric services, and a Child and Adolescent Hospital in the Home Program launched.
“The investments in this Budget builds on this work as we continue to deliver quality services and treatment for Canberra’s children and young people,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
