A parent knows there is something wrong with their child.

Their family doctor agrees the child needs a specialist paediatric assessment and makes a referral.

The child is seen by the paediatrician, the assessment made and ongoing care or treatment, if needed, is organised promptly.

Great. But that is not the way it has been working for many parents and children.

More than 6000 general practitioner referrals for specialist paediatric treatment have been refused in the past three years in the Southern district. There are no winners in this.

The parents, whose concerns have been validated by their GP referral, are left wondering what to do next with their child who needs help.

The GP, who made the referral because they considered the situation needed expertise beyond theirs, is expected to somehow manage the child’s care.…