Victoria opens ADHD treatment to 150 GPs, but clinic directory chaos confuses
The Department of Health website launched October 26 listed 15 services not accepting ADHD patients, including one already closed.
Victoria's Premier Ben Carroll celebrated new rules. Now 150 trained general practitioners can diagnose and treat ADHD.
The disorder affects an estimated 163,000 children and 320,000 adults in the state. Previously only specialists like paediatricians could treat it.
This created waiting lists up to a year long. The government's clinic directory was meant to guide families to the new GP services.
But the Department of Health website listed at least 15 clinics not participating in the program. The Living Room in Melbourne had already closed.
It stayed on the list for over a week. Mental Health Victoria's CEO said non-participating clinics were inundated with frustrated calls from people turned away by the wrong providers.
In the days that followed, 14 services were removed and five added to the list. The government says doctors requested changes to their listings.
- 150
- GPs authorized to treat ADHD
- 163,000
- Victorian children with ADHD
- 320,000
- Victorian adults with ADHD
- at least 15
- Clinics incorrectly listed
Why it mattersFamilies needing ADHD diagnosis faced extra frustration just as the policy promised faster, cheaper access and shorter waits.
AustraliaVictoria's move to let GPs diagnose ADHD could save families thousands of dollars and cut waiting time, but the botched launch has undermined the rollout and left patients confused about where to actually go.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 15 h ago
