QUEENSLAND’S FIRST PUBLIC PAEDIATRIC ALLERGY CLINIC OPENS

Queensland’s first public specialist paediatric allergy and immunology service opens for business at the Royal Children’s Hospital next Monday (3 Mar).

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today the clinic will provide ongoing care for children suffering from anaphylaxis as a result of severe allergy or from congenital immune deficiencies.

“The clinic will be operated by respected specialist paediatric allergist and immunologist, Dr Jane Peake, with the support of a senior registrar, a dietician and trained nurses,” he said.

“It will see approximately 80 patients each week.

“Importantly, the clinic will be available to both public and private patients referred by their GP.

“Treatment will be provided to public patients free of charge and the clinic will bulk-bill for private patients.

“Dr Peake will also provide training in paediatric allergy to future specialists and GPs.”

Mr Robertson said the specialist paediatric allergy service is great news for the parents of children who suffer severe forms of allergy.

“It delivers on my $500,000 per annum funding commitment last year to establish Queensland’s first publicly-funded specialist paediatric allergy and immunology service.

“I was concerned some children were waiting up to 18 months for an appointment with Queensland’s two existing specialist paediatric allergists working in the private sector.

“There was unquestionably a need for this service given the increasing prevalence of food allergies and less common but potentially life-threatening congenital immune deficiencies.

“That’s why I was determined to provide specialist paediatric allergy and immunology services through the public health sector. “

Mr Robertson said the benefits of the new service at the Royal Children’s Hospital are twofold.

“First, it will boost capacity in treatment services available for children suffering from severe allergies and congenital immune deficiencies.

“Second, it will also provide a clinical training program for future specialists as well as GPs, paediatricians and dieticians in this important discipline of paediatric medicine.

“Prior to the creation of these training positions, registrars have needed to go interstate or overseas to train in paediatric allergy and immunology.

“A second registrar will be appointed to the service in 2009.

“And rural paediatricians have been enthusiastic about the possibility of spending time in professional development in such a clinic.

“Queensland Health is also developing internet resources to provide more information about allergies and anaphylaxis for health professionals and parents,” he said.

MEDIA: PAUL LYNCH 3234 1190