APY lands, Child Ear Health

In reply to the Hon. S.G. WADE (12 May 2015).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): The Minister for Health has received this advice:

1. Children on the APY Lands with serious ear health issues are referred to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists from the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH), who visit the APY Lands several times a year. If a child needs surgery, their family is supported so they can access this at the WCH.

A full day list of ENT surgery at the WCH was arranged for children from the APY lands in April 2015 with seven children receiving surgery. Another list is planned for November 2015. In the past, ENT surgery for APY lands children has been arranged in Port Augusta Hospital and Alice Springs Hospital.

Nganampa Health works closely with the WCH to coordinate regular visits to the APY lands by ENT specialists, as well as arranging for patients to travel Adelaide for surgery.

In 2012 and 2013, training was provided to health clinic staff in remote areas on the management of otitis media in Aboriginal populations, which ideally needs to be treated early with antibiotics to prevent perforated ear drums. Nganampa Health also has a strong focus on early intervention and primary health care in order to reduce the number of children who experience repeat ear infections.

2. Access to specialist ear health services to Aboriginal children living in remote South Australia has improved and remains a priority. The ear health of Anangu children is being addressed with the current funding allocation.