Vulnerable children have access to specialist medical and psychological care thanks to a ground-breaking program operating in Melbourne’s west. 

The ‘Working Together for Kids Paediatric Outreach Clinics’ program is providing specialist medical care to families who otherwise might not have access to it. 

The program is being delivered through three primary schools, all with large multicultural student cohorts, in Wyndham, in Melbourne’s west. 

As well as specialist medical care, it provides support for developmental, speech, behavioural or emotional issues. So far, 498 children have accessed the program. 

Dr. Laura Watkins (left) & Dr. Sophie Butcher (right)

The program is the result of a partnership between local community hubs run by migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, the North-West Primary Health Network, Werribee Mercy Hospital, Anglicare Victoria, Truganina South Primary School, Wyndham Park Primary School and Doherty’s Creek P-9 College. 

It sees consultation rooms set up in appropriate spaces in schools or community hubs where families can access specialist care and multi-disciplinary case conferencing in a safe and familiar environment. 

A review of the program found its strengths included reducing barriers to paediatric care and earlier intervention which produces improved long-term outcomes. It has also reduced school absences because of medical appointments. 

Among the symptoms addressed include learning difficulties, behavioural issues, social difficulties, poor attentions spans, sleep issues, emotional distress and sensory processing. 

Community Hub Leader at Truganina South Primary School Vicki Haynes said the program was a “game changer” and as well as treating medical issues, the program is linking patients with the NDIS and allied health. 

“It strengthens home-school partnerships and invites families into an environment where they feel safe and supported,” Ms Haynes said. 

“The program has given families access to services they might never have had access to before. 

“It offers a welcoming space for families and helps them feel part of the school while also helping to build their confidence in approaching and talking to teachers and the school leadership. Through the program our families have become more open about having a discission about their kids’ difficulties.  

“It was developed in response to the potential impacts of social and economic disadvantage on the health, education, and life outcomes of children,” she said. 

Wyndham is Australia’s fastest growing local government area. Almost half of families in the area speak a language other than English at home. 

Many children in the area are unable to effectively access services due to language barriers, lack of knowledge about services, cost or parental ability to identify issues and seek help. 

The program provides culturally safe interpreters, and it collaborates with local kindergartens to identify children who may need support. 

AMES Community Hub Support Coordinator Marta Makkai said the program was addressing a need in the community. 

“The Outreach Paediatric Clinics program was initiated in response to the potential impacts of economic and social disadvantage on the health, education and life outcomes of children,” said Ms Makkai, who has worked in the humanitarian and not-for-profit sectors for the past decade. 

“Many inequities start early in childhood and increase along a clear social gradient. This means the greater a child’s disadvantage, the worse their health, development and well-being and these gaps widen as children progress through life. 

“And these gaps can have an intergenerational effect, with inequity passed on to the next generation,” she said. 

The clinics are supported by the philanthropic entity, Barr Family Foundation.