Tasmanian Government launches statewide ADHD service for youth

The Tasmanian Government has launched a new statewide service aimed at supporting children and young people suspected of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This initiative is part of the government’s election promise to improve mental health services for youth, addressing the increasing demand for ADHD assessments across the state.

Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, announced that the service, which began in Southern Tasmania in April, will now expand statewide. The government is investing $3 million over the next three years to enhance this specialized service. This funding will facilitate the recruitment of additional general practitioners (GPs) and pediatricians, enabling the service to accommodate more youth seeking help.

Petrusma emphasized the importance of timely support for families, stating, “We know there is nothing more important to Tasmanian families than ensuring children and young people have the support they need to meet their potential.” The demand for specialized ADHD assessments has surged, prompting this expansion to ensure that children and families receive care as quickly as possible.

Eligible youth will be prioritized from the existing pediatric waitlist for assessments and treatment. The expanded service aims to alleviate wait times while improving care quality and better meeting the specific needs of Tasmanian families.

The service is a collaborative effort between pediatric specialists and child and youth mental health professionals. It features a multidisciplinary team that includes pediatricians, psychiatrists, clinical nurse consultants, and allied health professionals. This team structure is designed to provide comprehensive care to young patients.

As part of this program, clinicians will also train GPs in the community to share the care of these patients, allowing them to prescribe medication and coordinate ongoing follow-up care. This approach is intended to strengthen local support systems for youth with ADHD.

Alongside this initiative, the Department of Health plans to recruit more pediatric specialists in other areas, such as cardiology and gastroenterology, to enhance pediatric services across Tasmania. This broader recruitment effort will address various specialty needs in the region, further supporting the health and wellbeing of children.

The Tasmanian Government’s initiative reflects its commitment to providing every child with the best possible start in life, aligning with the goals outlined in its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.