$5.9 MILLION TO SUPPORT MELBOURNE PAEDIATRIC CENTRE FOR COLORECTAL CONDITIONS

THE Liberal and Nationals Government will provide $5.9 million to support the Melbourne Paediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Centre at the Royal Children’s Hospital, which will support young patients and their families.
 
A new national centre for excellence for paediatric and colorectal and pelvic conditions will provide better care for children suffering from colorectal, urological, gynaecological and gastrointestinal conditions.
 
Health Minister Greg said the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne currently manages more than 300 patients with these conditions, with between 80 and 100 new patients each year.
 
“We know these conditions are complex and that the majority of patients suffer from more than one condition. The new centre will provide on-the-ground benefits for children and their families suffering from these conditions,” Minister Hunt said.
 
“The centre will improve referral pathways and strengthen collaboration between specialists. This will ensure that children receive high quality, coordinated care without unnecessary tests and procedures.”
 
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the funding will support patients and their families.
 
“In learning of some rare medical conditions affecting children, particularly in regional areas of Australia, it was so encouraging to work with Health Minister Greg Hunt to help bring about this new initiative,” Deputy Prime Minister McCormack said.
 
“I am very pleased to be part of a Liberal and Nationals Government which is managing a strong economy and is able to direct valuable public funds towards helping patients.”
 
Funding will ensure that the appropriate specialist support is available to children at the centre. This includes:
 
•           Clinical nurse specialists
•           Psychologist support
•           Social workers
•           Physiotherapists
•           Complex care coordinator
 
While the majority of patients are referred from within Victoria, the centre also supports patients from Tasmania and has seen a significant growth in referrals from New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
 
This is part of the Government’s commitment to providing high quality health services when and where they are needed.
 
It builds on our almost $500 million Victorian Health Plan which provides key investments in a range of medical research, infrastructure, primary care and mental health initiatives.