A wonderful experience: Kendall and Marle's Visit to Paediatric People

At Canine Comprehension, we believe in the power of collaboration and the incredible impact it can have on young people's lives. Recently, our mentor, Kendall and her therapy dog, Marle, had the pleasure of spending time with the wonderful team at Paediatric People. We're thrilled about the potential for future collaborations, working together to support and enhance the well-being of young clients.

Shared Values and Unique Approach

Our values at Canine Comprehension align perfectly with those of Paediatric People. Both organisations prioritise empathy, holistic care, and the well-being of young people. We recognise the importance of individualised attention and the power of collaborative efforts to create a supportive environment for children and their families.

Paediatric People is redefining paediatric care with a unique, team-based approach that ensures holistic and individualized care. About 18 months ago, the founder began to envision a new model of care by integrating the expertise of General Practitioners (GPs) and Nurses, inspired by a project with the Royal Children's Hospital. This experience highlighted the immense demand for paediatric care and the potential of collaborative practice.

The model at Paediatric People is designed to allow clinicians to operate at their full potential, providing the highest level of healthcare. The team consists of passionate, experienced, and skilled clinicians and reception staff who work seamlessly together. The triage process is meticulously crafted to ensure that children and young people are seen quickly by a skilled clinician, recognising that timely care is crucial when a child's health or well-being is at stake.

Collaboration is at the heart of their process, with systems in place to ensure rapid, comprehensive responses to family inquiries. Follow-up processes are robust, ensuring that any new medication or diagnosis is closely monitored. For instance, after an autism diagnosis, the dedicated nurse, Ms. Ellen Rugara, supports families in navigating supports like NDIS applications, providing a compassionate and continuous care pathway.

First Appointment Experience

The first appointment at Paediatric People is a vital step in initiating early treatments and interventions. Families can expect to meet with a specialist GP who is highly experienced in paediatric care and works in collaboration with paediatricians. This appointment is designed to gather comprehensive information about the child and their family, laying the foundation for individualised care.

During this initial meeting, the team focuses on understanding the child's strengths and challenges, providing key recommendations on sleep, diet, and screen use. They also organise referrals and screening tools, ensuring that by the time the child meets with a paediatrician, significant groundwork has already been laid. This approach ensures that the subsequent care is both targeted and effective.

Integration and Follow-Up

At Paediatric People, integration and follow-up are key components of their care model. The clinicians work as a cohesive team, regularly meeting to discuss each child's case and forming individualised care plans. After the initial appointment, the child's care is reviewed in an integrated team meeting, and any updates are promptly communicated to the family.

Most children will meet with a paediatrician for further diagnosis and treatment discussions. However, many receive ideal care through the specialist GPs, with ongoing care shared between GPs and paediatricians. This tailored approach ensures that each child sees the right professional at the right time, whether for medication reviews, school support, or allied health therapy.

Improvements Over Conventional Systems

Paediatric People's approach significantly improves upon traditional paediatric care systems, where long waiting times and multiple appointments can delay diagnosis and treatment. Their model ensures that children are seen promptly, often within weeks, preventing the anxiety and compounding issues that can arise from prolonged waits.

Unlike the conventional model where paediatricians often work in isolation, Paediatric People provide continuous support with clear communication channels. This ensures families have access to the guidance and care they need, even after a diagnosis or medication change. The integrated, team-based approach allows for swift, coordinated care that addresses the child's needs comprehensively and effectively.

Looking Ahead

Our time with Paediatric People has been inspiring, and we are excited about the possibilities for future collaborations. Kendall and Marle's visit highlighted the synergy between our organisations and the shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of young people. Together, we can continue to provide innovative, compassionate care that makes a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

Please stay tuned for more updates as we work together to help and empower our young clients. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our programs, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's continue to make a positive impact, one collaboration at a time.