Working Together for Kids – paediatric outreach in primary schools

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) has commissioned Werribee Mercy Hospital to deliver collaborative, triaged and culturally safe paediatric services to children aged 5 to 12 in Wyndham.

The Working Together for Kids program aims to improve the physical and mental health of children experiencing social, economic or health disadvantage and who do not typically have access to paediatric services. It does this through:

• early identification and management of developmental delays and behavioural and mental health issues; and
• provision of early intervention through integrated care and collaborative care coordination with families, educators and allied health practitioners.

The project is delivered in three Community Hubs located at Truganina South Primary School, Wyndham Park Primary School and Doherty’s Creek College.

The sites were selected based on the level of need of attending children and families, and the capability to accommodate outreach paediatric services.

As of July 2024, project outcomes include:

• 342 children, who previously did not have access to a paediatrician, received specialised paediatric services (from October 2022 to July 2024)
• 597 onward referrals were issued primarily for autism assessments, occupational therapy, speech therapy and audiology tests (from October 2022 to July 2024)
• paediatricians, school staff and families noted improvements in academic performance, developmental milestones, and health and wellbeing of children involved in the program
• early intervention practices have been established with feeder kindergartens, allowing smoother transition for children entering schools (and the program)
• improved confidence and knowledge of school staff and families to recognise, report and refer children requiring services and support for common health issues
• paediatricians, school staff, allied health professionals and families collaboratively manage and develop care plans through shared case conferencing to improve the health and wellbeing of children
• all three paediatricians involved in the program feel they are able to deliver better care as they are able to spend more time with children and families and build rapport within the school setting.

Page updated 30 September 2024.