Over 1000 children removed from Canberra allergy clinic despite anaphylaxis
Over 1000 children, including some with anaphylaxis, were removed from a Canberra allergy clinic waitlist.
The ACT Government removed over 1000 children from Canberra's children's allergy clinic waitlist after changing care guidelines. Some children with anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction, were among those removed.
Anaphylaxis is a key requirement for specialist care. Health Minister Marisa Paterson said AI and algorithms were not used.
Each case was reviewed by a specialist doctor instead. Families received letters saying a review happened.
However, the letters did not explain why individual children had been removed. GPs who referred patients are now dealing with confused families.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners warned the change shifts responsibility back to doctors. No alternatives exist for these patients.
Around 65,000 people wait for specialist care across Canberra Health Services.
- Over 1000
- Children removed
- Canberra
- Location
Why it mattersChildren removed from specialist care without clear explanation may miss treatment they need. Families are left uncertain about how to get help.
AustraliaCanberra families of children with serious allergies face uncertainty about accessing specialist care as the health system resets its eligibility criteria.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
