People seeking care for ADHD often face long wait times for specialist services. To improve access to care in NSW, three new pathways were introduced: The first supports trained GPs to provide ongoing psychostimulant prescriptions for people on stable treatment. The second supports GPs to diagnose ADHD and start treatment across the lifespan. The third supports public clinics to improve the efficiency of specialist consultations and support the transition of stable patients, freeing paediatricians to see new patients.
In less than one year since the reforms, almost 14,000 people have benefited from the first pathway of receiving their ongoing medications through GPs. A further 329 GPs are now undertaking training for the second pathway, with locations of higher need being prioritised. The reforms have increased service capacity, strengthened collaboration between specialists and primary care providers, and improved continuity of care.
In Hunter New England Local Health District, 412 children have moved to GP co-management. This has created capacity for more than 800 additional paediatrician appointments. In Western NSW Local Health District, 357 children have transitioned to GP co-management, freeing 720 paediatric outpatient appointments each year.
