Respiratory Care WA is returning to Albany for its second children’s respiratory specialist clinic, supporting families across the Great Southern as winter sets in.
Supported by Telethon, the clinics will run over two days, from 4–5 June at Albany Health Campus and will be led by paediatric respiratory and sleep specialist Dr James Gibbons. Families will have access to free lung function testing, along with consultations with a specialist, nurse and respiratory scientist.
Respiratory Care WA Chief Executive Officer, Rael Rivers, said the clinics are especially important at this time of year, as colder weather and seasonal viruses can significantly impact children with respiratory conditions.
“Asthma affects around one in ten Australians and remains one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children,” Ms Rivers said.
“Winter is always a challenging time for children with conditions such as asthma. Cold air and circulating viruses can trigger flare-ups, leading to increased symptoms and, in some cases, hospital visits.”
“Up to 90 per cent of asthma-related hospitalisations are potentially preventable with appropriate community-based care, which is why services like these clinics are so important.”
“These clinics provide families with timely access to specialist care, helping to identify concerns early and support better management throughout the winter months.”
For families living in the Great Southern, accessing specialist respiratory care can often mean long wait times or extensive travel. By bringing this clinic to Albany, Respiratory Care WA is helping to reduce those barriers and ensure children can receive the care they need, closer to home.
Families wishing to refer their child should contact their GP to arrange a referral. All appointments are fully bulk billed.
We thank Albany Health Campus and Telethon for supporting the delivery of this service in the region.
