By ALESHA CAPONE
A RALLY to improve medical services offered to children with conditions like autism and Down Syndrome will be held in Sunshine this Thursday.
Melton MP Don Nardella said the protest would begin at 277 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine, at 10am.
The event is being staged because earlier this year, the Children’s Allied Health Service (CAHS) at Sunshine Hospital stopped accepting multi-disciplinary assessment referrals for kindergarten children with disabilities who will start school in 2014.
Back in March, Star revealed Western Health sent a letter to kindergartens and other early childhood services across the West to advise them of the CAHS situation.
The CAHS provides ongoing intervention – in fields like physiotherapy and speech pathology – for children with conditions including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome and acquired brain injuries.
“I understand that families in the Western Suburbs who are now unable to have this multi-disciplinary assessment conducted by Sunshine Hospital will need to access private assessments, costing around $1500,” Mr Nardella said.
“I am also concerned this will create a domino effect, which will only place untold pressure on local primary schools in the years to come.
“Multi-disciplinary assessments are vital to ensure children with disabilities receive the appropriate support they need to participate fully in life and society.
“The earlier children with a disability are supported, the greater their chance of maximising their educational opportunities.”
However, a State Government spokesperson said it was “disappointing, but not surprising, that the Opposition is continuing to cause stress to families in the Western Suburbs in a bid to grab headlines”.
“The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is working with Western Health and has come to an arrangement that will see the service ensuring that all children beginning school in 2014 who need an assessment will receive one,” the spokesperson said.
