Schools Face Long Waits for Paediatric Support in Oamaru

The principal of Weston School, Deidre Senior, has raised alarms over significant wait times for paediatrician referrals, as students in Oamaru may now face delays of up to 12 months to receive necessary medical evaluations. This information was communicated to the school by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) at the end of the previous year.

Schools often refer students to paediatricians for assessment since children under the age of 12 are not eligible to see counsellors. Senior emphasized that many classroom issues may stem from underlying medical conditions. “No amount of counselling or behavioural modification will support a child without the right medical support for them,” she stated. She expressed growing concern about the lack of available resources to address the increasing complexities teachers face in supporting their students.

The current situation highlights a broader crisis impacting both education and health systems. Senior remarked, “Education is in crisis. Health is in crisis. This is a significant crisis happening in our area.” The waiting period for paediatric assessments exacerbates the challenges faced by educators who strive to support diverse student needs.

In many cases, once children enter a structured school environment, concerning behaviours become more evident. Senior noted that families often struggle to access support independently. Schools typically serve as a bridge, helping families connect with appropriate resources. She added, “When children with complex needs are supported, that means they’re not a distraction in the classroom for other children to be able to learn.”

The Ministry of Education offers various support services for students, including occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, and educational psychologists. A referral to a paediatrician can be made if deemed necessary by an educational psychologist. North Otago relies on paediatricians based at Dunedin Hospital, who aim to provide appointments in the region on a monthly basis, prioritizing urgent clinical needs.

David Gow, the chief medical officer for Health New Zealand southern, acknowledged the complexities of behavioural problems faced by teachers, parents, and children. He assured that the paediatric team at Dunedin Hospital is committed to ensuring that patients continue to receive timely care. “We continue to triage paediatric patients based on clinical need and are focused on managing our waitlists for the service within expected timeframes,” Gow stated.

Currently, the paediatric team is short one senior medical officer and is actively recruiting to fill this position. Bringing in an additional staff member will restore their team to the budgeted 5.8 full-time equivalents (FTEs). Gow encouraged families on the waiting list to inform their general practitioners (GPs) if a child’s condition changes, allowing GPs to communicate updates to the paediatric team. For immediate serious concerns, he advised families to seek care through their GP, urgent care, or emergency services.

As the education and health sectors continue to navigate these challenges, the urgent need for comprehensive support for children in Oamaru becomes increasingly clear. The ability to address these issues effectively will play a crucial role in the well-being of both students and educators in the community.