Victoria government website errors disrupt ADHD program

A Victorian state-run program designed to accelerate access to ADHD medications and diagnosis has faced immediate complications due to errors on an official Department of Health website. The program, recently celebrated by Premier Ben Carroll, allows 150 newly trained general practitioners to diagnose and prescribe stimulants, aiming to reduce long waiting lists for the estimated 163,000 children and 320,000 adults in the state living with the condition.

However, the directory launched on October 26 incorrectly listed at least 15 services that are not participating in the program, including one health service that is not currently open. Additionally, several participating clinics were missing from the directory despite their doctors completing training through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Phillipa Thomas, CEO of Mental Health Victoria, stated that the errors caused non-participating health services to be inundated with calls from distressed patients. The confusion has reportedly compounded frustration among individuals already facing significant barriers to care.