Province works to improve services for medically complex children
The province’s health department says it is working on implementing recommendations made in the citizens’ representative’s “By a Thread” report on the struggles faced by families of medically complex children.
“The department recognizes that substantial change is required to transform the way community health services are delivered to children, youth and individuals with complex needs and their families,” the department said in an emailed statement.
COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING CONCERNS
The department issued the statement in response to questions asked by Saltwire after families of medically complex children detailed their struggles trying to access government support, as described in another report, “Treading Water,” released last month.
The families described it as “a fight,” and many said it was the hardest part of parenting their children.
The department’s statement said it is committed to addressing the systemic concerns highlighted in the “By a Thread” report.
The statement said department officials have been working closely with the Office of the Citizens’ Representative to discuss the recommendations and determine the next steps, including establishing an advisory committee comprised of key stakeholders.
“A departmental official meets regularly with (the) Office of the Citizens’ Representative regarding status updates on the recommendations, to ensure this work is progressing in a way that responds to families’ needs,” the statement said.
WORK UNDERWAY
It said significant work is underway to develop a new child and youth community health model and to improve child and youth health services by streamlining existing programming and developing new programs intended to address the diverse health and support needs of children and youth.
The statement went on to say the Special Child Welfare Allowance program was being reviewed prior to the release of the “By a Thread” report, and that as a result of the Autism Action Plan, clinical eligibility for the program expanded in recent years.
However, the statement said the “By a Thread” report highlighted that concerns remain with accessing respite support, and the department is exploring potential opportunities to address those concerns and reduce the barriers families experience.