Canberra Health Services removes 1,000 children from allergy clinic waitlist

Canberra Health Services (CHS) has removed approximately 1,000 children from its paediatric allergy clinic waitlist following a review of outpatient specialist appointment criteria. This removal represents about 90 per cent of the clinic's cohort. The decision has drawn criticism from medical professionals and politicians, as some of the affected children reportedly suffer from anaphylaxis, a condition previously considered a key criterion for specialist appointments.

Reports indicate that the allergy clinic's waiting list has stretched to over six years. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) stated it was not consulted regarding the plan to review the criteria. While CHS maintains the review aims to ensure those with the “greatest clinical need” can access care sooner, critics argue that patients are being disqualified under new rules after having already been accepted into the system.

Shadow Health Minister Mark Parton has called on the ACT Government to reconsider the process, suggesting that referrals should only be closed in consultation with the referring GP and the patient. The broader context involves a massive outpatient waitlist of more than 65,000 people across CHS.