Children living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Northern NSW and their families are benefiting from a partnership between paediatricians and general practitioners that aims to streamline access to care and treatment.
More than 250 children are already being cared for under the model which was launched in September 2024 and allows patients to transition to care with their local GP after first seeing a paediatrician to confirm the diagnosis. The GP is then responsible for ongoing prescribing and monitoring of ADHD medication.
The program will provide care closer to home and save time and costs for patients, their carers and families.
It is estimated this model will also free-up up to 500 paediatrician appointments in NNSWLHD hospitals over the next two years, potentially saving patients months of waiting.
The program will also ensure GPs are supported through education and timely access to clinical feedback and review.
The shared model of care is a joint initiative of Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), Healthy North Coast (HNC) Primary Health Network and local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, connecting paediatricians with GPs across the region.
In May 2025, the NSW Government also announced reforms to make it easier for people to access treatment for ADHD by allowing GPs to provide ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children and adults who are on stable doses of medication. The first stage of these reforms came into effect 1 September.
From early 2026, a smaller number of GPs will be supported to undertake training in assessment and diagnosis of ADHD so they can provide ongoing care for their regular patients.
Find more information about the ADHD reforms.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"This is a game changer for families who may be awaiting diagnosis of ADHD, or whose children have already been diagnosed. Providing quicker access to treatment will make a real difference in their lives.
"This co-management model of care is an excellent example of how clinical specialists in our hospitals can work together with primary health practitioners, to the advantage of patients.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"This is part of the biggest reforms to ADHD care in a generation. For too long, people have struggled to get the diagnosis, treatment and support they need - we are changing that."
"Our message is simple: if you are living with ADHD, you deserve care that is timely, affordable and accessible. These reforms are about making sure that happens."
"This is about bringing ADHD care into the 21st century - breaking down barriers, ending the stigma and giving families confidence that their children will get the support they need to thrive."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:
"It's great to see the North Coast leading the way in pioneering such an important program.
"Our kids are getting the specialist care they need closer to home, which is fantastic for them and their families.
Quotes attributable to Dr James Hodges, Head of Department, Grafton Base Hospital Paediatrics:
"Families and children who are needing support around concentration, learning and behaviour find the wait to access support very difficult.
"By co-managing care of these children with local GPs, patients will receive timely, quality care in a familiar setting, making it easier for everyone while delivering significant travel and cost savings.
"Our paediatricians will remain engaged to offer specialist input when needed. The patient's paediatrician will work with their GP to ensure they are well supported for any challenges that arise related to their ADHD."
Quotes attributable to Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler:
"Our Health needs assessment data shows significant challenges in access specialist services for children across the North Coast, and this program makes it possible for hundreds of children living with ADHD to access to local care through their general practice.
"It has been warmly embraced by families, GPs and specialists alike.
"Our acute and primary care clinicians have been able to provide high-quality local care for children living with ADHD thanks to the support made possible through the collaboration and partnership between the Local Health District and Primary Health Network."
