Flying Start Paediatric Service

What is the Flying Start Paediatric Service?

The Flying Start Paediatric Service (Flying Start) brings together a multidisciplinary team of local and visiting clinicians to deliver holistic paediatric assessments to children up to 18 years.

We connect children in rural and remote communities with an experienced allied health team and paediatrician, working with families in their local community. A fully integrated healthcare model means our paediatrician arrives with comprehensive information to fast-track care and diagnosis.

Each child receives a comprehensive care plan and is connected to their GP and ongoing local supports to ensure children receive the assistance they need to thrive at school and in the community. The service unlocks access to a range of supports including key health specialists, ongoing allied health services, the NDIS and personalised educational support at school.

Who does the care team comprise?

The Flying Start care team includes Marathon Health’s outreach allied health team, a Paediatrician, local GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services, local pre-schools and schools, the Local Health District (LHD) and local allied health providers.

How can I access Flying Start?

Flying Start clinics are currently being planned in Bourke, Cobar, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Forbes, Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Wellington. For more information please email flyingstart@marathonhealth.com.au

To be eligible for the clinics, you must:

• Be aged up to 18 years of age with neurodevelopmental, educational or behavioural concerns
• Have not recently consulted with a Paediatrician regarding current concerns
• Be engaged with a General Practitioner (GP) and listed on a Medicare card
• Be living in one of the target Local Government Areas

With continued support, we can ensure children have access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live.

Acknowledgements

The Flying Start Paediatric Service is delivered across the Western NSW region by Marathon Health, in partnership with Variety – The Children’s Charity (NSW/ACT). This service acknowledges the support provided by Outreach Programs administered by RDN Health and funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. We also acknowledge the support provided by the Western NSW Local Health District.

Wellington and Forbes Clinic(s) – Proudly supported through a Variety – The Children’s Charity NSW/ACT grant, funded by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.