Did you know Mater Health and Wellness is a private allied health service offering a range of specialised therapy services for children with a variety of needs both simple and complex.

The service provides early childhood assessment and therapy supporting patients with occupational therapy, speech pathology, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy, diagnostic hearing assessment and support with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Dietitian Katie Van Geelen said Mater was unique as so many allied health disciplines were co-located in the one place making it easy for parents to access services.

“By offering shared patient care parents are able to see their paediatrician, specialists and allied health team in the one building, the teams work very closely together so we can cross refer to another specialty if necessary,” Katie said.

Physiotherapist Mandy Proctor who works in clinic as well in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit said families enjoyed being able to have a continuum of care with their clinicians.

“For Mater babies who need ongoing support after they’ve gone home we are able to build a great relationship with them and their family which helps to provide a lovely continuum of care Mandy said.

Occupational Therapist Lyndal Franklin said the allied health services were so easy for parents to access as they don’t need a referral to be seen.

“We take GP and specialist referrals, but parents are able to self-refer their children for appointments as well. Sometimes it’s as simple as a check-up but we can offer them peace of mind,” Lyndal said.   

Speech Pathology Lead, Lucy Lyons said she was extremely proud of the exceptional service done by the team in this space.   

“Whilst our service is small, the group of clinicians who deliver these services from Physiotherapy, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Dietetics are highly experienced and extremely passionate clinicians,” Lucy said.

“They truly go above and beyond to provide outstanding and family centred care to children with developmental concerns or feeding difficulties. The team are also highly experienced in working with families to support them in accessing the NDIS.”

To find out more about Children’s Therapy Services at Mater please call, 07 3163 6000, email info.wellness@mater.org.au or visit the website here.