Respiratory Care WA is beginning the year by expanding specialist respiratory services to Albany, delivering the organisation’s first children’s specialist clinic in Western Australia’s Great Southern region.
Respiratory Care WA is beginning the year by expanding specialist respiratory services to Albany, delivering the organisation’s first children’s specialist clinic in Western Australia’s Great Southern region.
Supported by Telethon, the clinics will run over two days, from 22 to 23 January, and will be overseen by Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Specialist Dr James Gibbons. Families in the region will have access to free lung function testing, as well as consultations with a specialist, nurse and respiratory scientist.
Respiratory Care WA Chief Executive Officer Rael Rivers said the clinic marks an important milestone, particularly as recent research indicates higher rates of asthma in the Great Southern compared to other parts of the state.
“This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to improving access to care, early diagnosis and ongoing support for children and families across Western Australia,” Ms Rivers said.
“For families living in regional areas, accessing specialist respiratory care can often mean long wait times or extensive travel. By bringing this clinic to Albany, we’re helping reduce those barriers and ensuring children in the Great Southern have access to the same high-quality specialist care closer to home.”
“We know asthma and other respiratory conditions are more prevalent in some regional communities, and early assessment and management can make a significant difference to a child’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.”
Two additional children’s specialist clinics in Albany are planned for later this year. Families wishing to refer their child should contact their GP to arrange a referral. These appointments are fully bulk billed.
